This week I took Malcolm Scott, our Consul General in Dusseldorf, to visit Bentley Motors in Crewe. Although the automotive industry in general has had a tough time during the economic downturn, and Bentley is no different to other car manufacturers, the mood there is one of optimism that things are on the up. It has a fantastic workforce that has stuck with the company, even taking a voluntary 10% cut in wages to help in a time of difficulty. As I walked around the factory I saw a variety of skills on display, from those working wood for the fantastic hand trimmed finish, to those involved in extremely advanced engineering.
Bentley exports account for 82% of its turnover, and although USA is its biggest market it also has a rapidly growing business in China - I recall seeing the Bentley showroom during my last visit to Shanghai. It has launched two new models in recent months, the new Continental Supersports and the prestigious Mulsanne. I asked if it was a brave decision to launch in a downturn and the answer I got was illuminating: it would be braver not to. I think this shows how differently successful firms operate - they take a long term view, invest in skills and technology, and all the time strive to develop new products and services. All of these attributes set them apart. Bentley’s investment is aimed at giving a 10% productivity improvement every year and this is fantastic news for the 3,500 people directly employed in Crewe and the many other contractors, associates and dealers that this fantastic example of British engineering supports.
A significant development for the company has been running cars on flex fuel, roughly 90% bio fuel, which is produced from waste and 10% petrol. I have been impressed how companies around the North West are taking advantage of the opportunities now arising from environmental technologies. We work with Envirolink to address the opportunities in this sector, but they rely on the superb engineering and manufacturing base in our region which is epitomised so well by all at Bentley Motors.
3 comments
Comment by chris posted on
It is great that Bentley Motors are still going strong, especially being a part of such a high end market. You are right they are a fantastic example of British engineering. It is such a shame that that all of the other British car manufacturers have died.
Comment by chris posted on
It is great that Bentley Motors are still going strong, especially being a part of such a high end market. You are right they are a fantastic example of British engineering. It is such a shame that that all of the other British car manufacturers have died.
Comment by chris posted on
It is great that Bentley Motors are still going strong, especially being a part of such a high end market. You are right they are a fantastic example of British engineering. It is such a shame that that all of the other British car manufacturers have died.