MTL Group's new manufacturing facility receives royal visit

Escorted by the Lord-Lieutenant for South Yorkshire, HRH The Duke of Kent was greeted by MTL group managing director Dr Henry Shirman and the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire. The Duke was among the invited guests who celebrated opening of MTL's £5 million, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which was acquired to meet MTL Group's growing presence in the steel engineering sector, with key markets served including defence, construction and renewable energy. Dr Shirman led the Duke on a tour of the Grange Lane facility, which supplies blue-chip OEMs with laser cut parts up to fully machined fabrications. Following a sustained period of sales growth since a management-buy-out, MTL Group has doubled its manufacturing space ,which has been supported by a major growth in export sales. The facility comprises four manufacturing bays that house all of MTL Group's manufacturing under one roof. This includes the world's largest robotic press brake and the UK's largest waterjet and Bbvel laser cutting machines. "MTL Group is delighted to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent and our guests to the official opening of our new manufacturing facility," said DrShirman. "His Royal Highness was very impressed with the state-of-the-art facilities and praised MTL Group on its contribution to UK manufacturing" One area of particular interest to the Duke was MTL Group's support in supplying armoured steel for UK Defence vehicles. Most recently manufacturing and supplying the V-shaped hull for the new Foxhound vehicle that will replace the Snatch Land Rover in high threat locations from 2012. Following a short introduction by Dr Shirman, HRH the Duke of Kent declared the building open in front of a crowd of more than 200 of MTL Group's employees. Image: Dr Henry Shirman, MTLG Group managing director, left, HRH The Duke of Kent, right