Wetherby’s MP has said the town is lucky to have one of the UK's leading manufacturers in its midst after he saw its new £1 million investment for himself.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke visited Wetherby-based Arville Textiles to see first-hand how one of the UK's leading manufacturers of world-class technical textiles is investing in advanced manufacturing, innovation and skills to support some of the nation's most critical industries.

As part of an ongoing transformation programme, Arville has recently taken delivery of a 3.9-metre-wide twin beam Tsudakoma Airjet loom equipped with digital inspection technology - the first of four new looms representing a £1 million investment.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP, Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold, said: "I first visited Arville Textiles with the then Chancellor in 2014.

MP visits Arville Textiles Wetherby head office - Neil Allen – Group Chief Operations Officer, Helen Kenyon – Head of Data, Rt Hon Sir Alec Shelbrooke - Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold, Steve Gill – Group Chief Executive Officer and Neil Horan – Group Chief Financial Officer. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — MP visits Arville Textiles Wetherby head office - Neil Allen – Group Chief Operations Officer, Helen Kenyon – Head of Data, Rt Hon Sir Alec Shelbrooke - Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold, Steve Gill – Group Chief Executive Officer and Neil Horan – Group Chief Financial Officer. (Picture contributed)

"The business works at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing, pioneering the development of world-leading technical textiles.

“I was fascinated to learn more about their continued innovation and new range of high-performance products that are supplied around the globe from Wetherby, from military grade Kevlar helmets and stab vests to PPE and hoses that can withstand extreme conditions and environments.

"We are lucky to have a leading manufacturer continuing to invest in our local workforce and skills too, with an award-winning apprenticeship programme."

The successful family-owned business, which has built a worldwide reputation as an industry leader in technical textiles, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Arville Textiles partners with large multinational organisations and specialist businesses across defence, aerospace, automotive, industrial safety, healthcare and many other sectors, designing and manufacturing high-performance textile solutions from its head office in Wetherby.

The business is working closely with Shahban Aziz and the Textile Centre of Excellence to champion apprenticeships and inspire more young people to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing, ensuring vital textile skills continue to be developed for future generations.

Steve Gill, Group Chief Executive Officer at Arville Textiles, said: "We were delighted to welcome Sir Alec Shelbrooke to Arville.

"It was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate how a long-established British manufacturer is investing in new technology, developing highly skilled apprentices and engineers, and strengthening UK capability.”