Duke of York visit caps royal progress for Penso
1 min read
The automotive specialist manufacturer Penso which has created more than 40 jobs in the last two years has received a royal seal of approval via a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of York.
Penso Group, which specialises in niche vehicle development, interior trim and electronic systems integration, hosted the visit as part of a delegation organised by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade and Invest (UKTI).
His Royal Highness undertook a guided tour of the company's 42,000 sq ft facility in Coventry before viewing projects involving Jaguar Land Rover, the Mercedes-Benz London Vito taxi and the Morgan 3 Wheeler (pictured being viewed by HRH, left).
The Duke was also introduced to the firm's latest recruit, 19 year-old Jak Gudger, who only started his first-year production apprenticeship last Monday.
The company's Michael Collins said the visit had capped an amazing year for Penso, which saw it win new projects in the automotive sector, as well as new contracts in defence, renewable energy and aerospace.
"We also used the tour to discuss access to finance, the skills agenda and the importance of bringing through the next generation of engineers we so desperately need to grow our business," he added.
This year, the company manufactured over 600 vehicles, produced 4500 wire harnesses and completed over 1000 bespoke interiors for a variety of OEM clients. It now employs 100 people at its Woodhams Road facility.
HRH The Duke of York added his support: "Penso is a great example of modern day manufacturing, a business that is using design, innovation and engineering excellence to develop future automotive technologies and create tens of jobs."
Penso was launched in 2004 after a management buy-in by Daniel Hurcombe, Managing Director, and David Roche, Technical Director and gets strategic support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service – West Midlands.
