London, England: British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Ransomes Jacobsen’s European head office and manufacturing facility in Ipswich during a tour of East Anglia.
An Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation [AGIF], Ransomes Jacobsen is a global manufacturer of commercial mowing equipment and is part of the US-based multi-industry group, Textron Inc.
During his visit, Cameron met with Ransomes Jacobsen’s senior leadership team before walking over to the manufacturing plant to address an audience consisting of employees and specially invited guests.
Following his address, which centred on the recovery of the United Kingdom economy, the importance of British manufacturing, jobs and apprenticeships for young people, he took a series of questions from the floor.
He then spoke to various journalists and reporters from the national and local media.
Alan Prickett, Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen and an ex-Board member of the AGIF, speaking after the visit, said: “Over the past couple of years we have enjoyed strong support from the UK Government, including a visit in 2014 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, who came to see our operation here in Ipswich. It was a tremendous honour for our entire workforce to host Prime Minister David Cameron.
“We have been a major employer in the town for more than 200 years and draw our workforce from across the region. We are a net exporter and for the past three years have re-introduced an apprenticeship scheme.
“This impressed the Prime Minister as it demonstrates our commitment to the local and the national economy.
“It was certainly a ‘Red Letter’ day for our business.”