MP Kris Hopkins speaking to Acorn Stairlifts employee in new factory.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins chose the largest private sector employer in the Aire Valley for his first official constituency visit since being elected when he toured the Acorn Stairlifts factory in Steeton last Friday afternoon.
Since 2009, Acorn Stairlifts has invested more than £1m on a new production line in its factory at Steeton, creating more than 80 new jobs, including CAD technicians and skilled machine operators. The new plant includes a fully automated powder coating plant which Mr Hopkins took pleasure in inspecting during his visit.
Acorn Stairlifts employs more than 400 staff at its Steeton headquarters, with a further 60 in a distribution centre at Shipley.
With a factory in Scotland, and offices in the USA, Canada, Australia and Germany, Acorn Stairlifts has a total of 1,100 staff worldwide.
Having surveyors and installers based around the country, Acorn Stairlifts can install a stairlift quicker than any of its competitors. If required, it can frequently fit a stairlift the day after it is ordered.
“Acorn is a first class example of a British company that has thrived through increased investment, and it is based right here in Keighley and Ilkley,” the MP commented.
“It is firms like Acorn that will really help to get our local and national economy moving once again.
“I was thoroughly impressed with everything I saw and everyone I met.
“The factory itself is magnificent and the senior management clearly know what they are doing.
“This was the first in a series of visits to local enterprises I intend to undertake in the weeks and months ahead, to get a real feel for what the local business community want, and to find out what I can do to assist them in Westminster.
“It was an extremely worthwhile trip and I look forward to going back again in the future”
Ed Putnam, Finance Director at Acorn Stairlifts, added “We are grateful for Mr Hopkins coming to Acorn Stairlifts and we were delighted to show him the results of our investment in the Steeton factory. The business is going from strength to strength and is benefiting from our policy of continuous innovation. Acorn Stairlifts is a world-leader in its market, and we will continue to invest in our future.”