Local business celebrates anniversary with MP Visit

18th January 2012
Local business celebrates anniversary with MP Visit

A local business that this year sees its 50th anniversary as a manufacturer has kicked off its celebrations with a visit from Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP, Gordon Henderson.

The Wire Belt Company, based on the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne, which began in 1962, is known for making wire conveyor belts mainly for the food processing industry.

Mr Henderson was given a personal tour of the company’s site by Managing Director, Paul Winter. During the tour Mr Henderson was shown the wide range of wire belts supplied by the company and watched them being produced.

He was shown also the photovoltaic solar panels that were recently installed on the warehouse roof and which are one of the largest installations, generating 31,300kWh of electricity in just six months.

Mr Henderson took the opportunity to meet some of the apprentices who work at the company and was presented with a working model of a conveyor, complete with wire belt, which was made by three of the apprentices.

Mr Henderson said,

“I found my visit to Wire Belt Company very interesting and I was very impressed with their policy on apprenticeships that saw them employ 4 local youngsters since August 2011 alone.

“I was really touched that Wire Belt had taken the trouble to commission a model conveyor for me and was impressed with the standard of work produced by the youngsters who made it.

“It really highlights the importance of providing our young people with the right skills and I very much hope that more of our local businesses employ apprentices.”

Managing Director, Paul Winter said:

"Wire Belt Company is delighted that Gordon Henderson was able to visit us and meet the majority of our apprentices and trainees. Mr. Henderson's interest in our products, staff and the challenges we face is much appreciated."