A MELKSHAM-based manufacturing company welcomed MP Paul Maynard to have a look round the premises and meet the hard working staff.

Knorr-Bremse Rail UK in Hampton Park East, Bowerhill, welcomed the Parliamentary under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport through its doors to see the inner workings of the company which produced braking systems and on-board systems for the country’s train network.

Mr Maynard was treated to a presentation on the company, including information on the worldwide exporting of Knorr-Bremse’s products.

“The visit has been fascinating, it is really good to see a strong local business employing local people. It is obviously very successful and that is what we like to see. Standing upstairs and overlooking the whole factory floor amazed me, such a big company here in Wiltshire is wonderful, said Mr Maynard.

“Innovation is vital in our rail industry to bring our aged network up to standard. This will help provide the fast, reliable services passengers want to receive and that government wants to deliver. Companies like Knorr-Bremse are leading the way in bringing new thinking to the industry and as a result are also exporting British designed and built braking systems around the world.”

Mr Maynard was also joined by Wiltshire MP Michelle Donelan on the tour of the factory floor.

"It is wonderful to see a company employing local young people to work for it and it is great to see the minister come to Melksham to visit everyone," said Miss Donelan.

Knorr-Bremse’s systems are currently in use on new trains in the UK and in countries such as China and the Middle-East. The company’s EP2002 Distributed Brake Control system resulted in a record level of sales last year, something that is expected to be broken in 2017.

Paul Goodhand, MD of Knorr-Bremse, said: “It is great that the minister responsible for rail has taken the time to come and see us and is interested in UK technology development and manufacturing in the sector. We see the continued investment in, and development of, advanced systems here as essential to continue with our export success.”