World-leading castings and machining solutions provider, Grainger & Worrall, has joined the UK’s leading automotive trade association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Membership of the prestigious association will allow Grainger & Worrall to proactively support the UK automotive sector while also expanding its global client base.
Grainger & Worrall has become one of 600 companies and organisations to join SMMT, which supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.
James Grainger, director at Grainger & Worrall, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have gained entry to SMMT. Our membership will allow us to play a further role in the UK automotive industry, while also furthering our innovative casting, engineering and machining capabilities.
“It is an incredibly exciting time for our company, and indeed the whole of the UK automotive sector. Working with SMMT will allow us to maximise our global business opportunities, promote the development of pioneering total casting solutions and support world-leading UK competitiveness internationally.”
To gain membership of SMMT, Grainger & Worrall had to undergo a thorough application process which involved references and testimonials from clients within the automotive sector.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “I’m delighted that Grainger & Worrall has decided to join the SMMT. We are one of the UK’s most influential trade organisations, actively promoting all aspects of the UK automotive industry both at home and abroad, so we are confident we can help Grainger & Worrall with its business performance as we aim to do for all SMMT members.”
SMMT provides a forum to voice views on issues affecting the automotive sector. The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy, with approximately 1.6 million cars and commercial vehicles and 2.5 million engines being produced annually. The UK is also home to the world’s largest number of specialist vehicle manufacturers with global centres of design, R&D and engineering.
The sector accounts for £59 billion turnover and £12 billion value added. Employing over 700,000 people, it accounts for 10% of total UK exports, with vehicle manufacturers exporting around 80% of production and investing £1.7 billion annually in automotive R&D.