The Earl of Wessex met four of New Balance’s longest serving ‘associates’ during his visit to the brand’s Flimby factory in Cumbria on May 26.
As well as being given a tour of the factory, Tom Ross, Mary Graham, Margaret Thompson and Ann Ormond who, having started work for New Balance in 1982, have a combined service of 116 years, presented His Royal Highness with a pair of personalised factory-made shoes.
“All of us at New Balance are justifiably proud of His Royal Highness’ visit to our factory here in Flimby,” says Jon Ram, New Balance’s managing director.
“New Balance has been constant in its steadfast commitment to the ideal of domestic production as we move towards the landmark of 30 years of manufacturing in Britain.
“This guiding principle continues to stand as an important and sustainable contribution, through exports across the world, to the British economy.”
Andy Okolowicz, New Balance’s Flimby factory manager, adds: “His Royal Highness’ visit provided us with an inspired opportunity to place on full display the factory’s highly flexible manufacturing skills, its advanced production techniques and our own enlightened vision for the future of manufacturing here in Britain.”
