The Duke was given a tour of the facility and was introduced to the management and staff along the way. Starting in the drawing office, HRH saw how concepts are turned into 3D virtual models, then issued to manufacturing for engineers to carry out the required machine tool programming, manufacture and testing. Demonstrating a keen interest and knowledge of engineering, The Duke engaged with all members of staff throughout the tour, taking the time to speak with engineers and staff on the shop floor and throughout the offices.
Mark Brian, Managing Director said “We were especially delighted to be able to welcome HRH to our facility in Ross on Wye and it was an honour and a pleasure to be able to showcase our manufacturing facilities. We are exceptionally proud of our British manufacturing pedigree, and this coupled with our position as a family owned business, made the event a real milestone for all involved."
David Brown, Production Manager added “The Duke was able to see the diverse range of technology that we use to get our products market ready, and also our blended approach between skilled labour and the very latest laser technologies.
We are a company committed to new technologies, the development of our people and the future of British manufacturing and it was encouraging to feel that these values were also shared by His Royal Highness.”
Championing the value of Apprenticeships in UK manufacturing, Haigh has long supported the development of opportunities through this channel. Almost one third of the current Haigh team started their careers as Apprentices, and His Royal Highness was introduced to a number of them during his visit. Furthermore, Haigh were delighted to invite Herefordshire Group Training Association colleagues Phillip Round, Chief Executive and Alan Jones, Engineering Training Manager to take part in this very special day.
Nick Dale, Sales Manager also commented "We demonstrated our range of bedpan macerators to HRH The Duke of Kent. He seemed interested to learn about the single use system and the fact that over 90% of UK hospitals currently use it. He was also pleased to hear of our export successes and that the machines on the test at the time of his visit were destined for shipment throughout the world.
Next year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Sluicemaster range, with the first model coming off our production line in 1964. The visit by His Royal Highness was a very fitting start to a year where there will be much to celebrate and look forward to."
David Freeman, Waste Water Division Manager was delighted to be able to demonstrate a pre-fabricated inlet works for the treatment of waste water with the Duke taking a keen interest in how the plant worked. Haigh are one of the pioneers of off-site prefabricated solutions which provide significant benefits to the Waste Water industry.
After the tour, His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit and was joined for lunch by members of the Shepherd family who founded the business in 1955 and continue their active ownership as Directors, along with representatives from the Haigh team.