Trade chief’s praise for WFEL
MILITARY bridge manufacturer WFEL has been praised by a senior government official for its export success.
The Stockport-based company, which is a major supplier to the US Department of Defense and is set to win a £60m contract from the Swiss army, was visited by Richard Paniguian the head of the Defence and Security Organisation at UK Trade & Investment .
He was given a tour of the plant in Heaton Norris by chief executive Ian Wilson and sales and marketing director Max Houghton.
The business designs and manufactures a range of rapidly deployable tactical bridging systems which are used by 40 different armed forces worldwide in a range of military and civilian emergency operations.
Mr Paniguian, said: “I am delighted to visit WFEL, an important manufacturer in the North West that continues to perform with distinction in the export market.
“I am really proud of the way that WFEL and UKTI DSO have been able to work together in a successful and sustained partnership.”
Ian Wilson said UKTI’s defence team had given the £34m turnover business ‘considerable support’ in its drive to win new business overseas.
He added: “It is important for WFEL that UKTI DSO staff continue to have a good understanding of our product and target market: to be able to host Richard, as the head of the organization, and demonstrate our bridge design and manufacturing capabilities is not only a pleasure but provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen our ties with UKTI DSO.”
