Engine manufacturer creates 70 new jobs to meet demand
A STAFFORDSHIRE manufacturer is creating almost 70 new jobs to meet rising demand for its products.
Perkins, which makes diesel and gas engines, is creating the 67 jobs at its Stafford Engine Centre. The jobs are being offered to existing temporary workers.
Flying in the face of the recent manufacturing decline, the company is also recruiting an additional 40 temporary workers.
Richard Cotterell, general manager, said: “A growing demand for our world-renowned engines and a greater stability in the global economy has enabled us to recognise the commitment shown by our existing agency employees.
“On top of this, I’m delighted that we’re also able to create more temporary positions at the site.”
The appointments have been welcomed by politicians in Stafford. The town’s MP Jeremy Lefroy said the decision was a great boost for the area.
“This is great news, not only for manufacturing in Stafford but in the UK as a whole. Perkins is a global business with a commitment to its base here in Stafford. It’s wonderful to hear that demand for its product continues to rise and that Perkins is investing in and recognising the commitment of its existing workforce,” he said.
Unions have also expressed their support for the move. Mickey Tuff, regional officer for Unite, said: “It’s something we have been striving for and we look forward to more employment growth in the future.”
Staffordshire County Council said the announcement was a further boost for manufacturing in the county coming on top of the decision by Fox’s Biscuits to retain its facility in Uttoxeter.
Cllr Ben Adams, cabinet member for economic growth and prosperity, said: This is tremendous news – another example of job creation which is demonstrating growth in prosperity in our county.
“The county council is ensuring that is supports business and attracts further investment. This is a key priority for us and we are seeing a number of major success stories which we know will increase in coming months.”
Major firms such as JCB and Alstom have also recently pledged to create more jobs, while online retailer Amazon has announced it is creating 900 jobs with a new distribution centre in Rugeley.
“Perkins has seen growth in international sales of Staffordshire manufactured engines which demonstrates our county’s strength and depth in business and enterprise,” added Cllr Adams.
