Sir Bobby Robson opens new Ransomes Jacobsen premises

Sir Bobby Robson opens new Ransomes Jacobsen premises

Before cutting the ceremonial ribbon he visited the new centre and then toured the manufacturing facilities where he met and was photographed with many members of staff.

Jon Carlson, President of Jacobsen, Ransomes Jacobsen's parent company, flew in from the USA to attend the event, which was jointly hosted by Steve Chicken, managing director of Jacobsen International and David Withers, managing director of Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd.

Speaking at the ceremony Steve Chicken said, "The sale of the land and office premises across the way from our manufacturing facility realised around £1.3 million and we have reinvested a significant part of this into the new administration centre. Now that we have consolidated our sales and marketing operation and administrative support service into a single location adjacent to manufacturing, warehousing, parts and service support we are a more integrated operation, which will not only be better for ourselves but better for our customers."

David Withers added, "The Ransomes Jacobsen operation has gone from strength to strength in the past couple of years and we have improved our market share against quite stiff competition; our current financial situation reflects this.

"Also, we have developed new products, which utilise the global co-operation within the Textron organisation and are built to the highest quality standards expected from a market leading organisation. We have been particularly successful and have won significant industry acclaim for recent product innovations.

"When you look at the situation a few years ago and compare that to the success of today, it reflects the leadership that is inherent in a young and vibrant management team, supported by a workforce that is totally committed to moving our business forward.

"Everyone has pulled together over the build period and I would like to put on record my thanks to everyone involved."