C-TEC - A fine example of manufacturing excellence in Wigan



Yvonne is pictured with Andrew Foster

I visited a world class manufacturer of life-safety products on Friday, 9th Sept.(Fri, 9th Sept) having nominated Goose Green’s C-TEC for the ‘Made by Britain’ initiative, as an example of manufacturing excellence in my constituency.

Made by Britain was launched this summer by Secretary of State, Vince Cable MP and the Associate Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (APMG), to showcase examples of manufacturing across the UK. Every MP has been asked to nominate a company or a product that is manufactured in their constituency today.

C-TEC manufacture an extensive range of fire alarm control panels, disabled persons toilet alarms, staff protection systems, third party approved EN-54 compliant power supplies, induction loops and nurse-call systems.

Based at two sites on Stephens Way, Goose Green, C-TEC are celebrating 30years of manufacturing, employing over 120 people and exporting to over 80 countries.

The company will relocate later this year following the purchase of a new factory on Wigan’s Challenge Way industrial estate. Measuring a massive 75,000ft (the size of 3 football pitches), the new facility will provide manufacturing, office and storage space to facilitate further expansion and the recruitment of staff.

Each MP’s nomination will feature in the APMG’s Made by Britain showcase to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Great Exhibition. The project has been partially funded by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

I enjoyed the tour of the factory and meeting with senior management and chatting to shop floor employees.

Despite the current economic climate that faces UK PLC, it is still the case that we are a nation that has a proud manufacturing base and too often we forget just how many successful and innovative businesses we have around us.

C-TEC is one such company with ambitious plans for the future and a commitment to Wigan. They boast a range of innovative products including the new ‘Hush Button’ fire alarm system which will reduce the incidence of false alarms in flats and apartments, potentially saving thousands of lives and placing them as a world leader in the field.

Andrew Foster, C-TEC’s Managing Director said, “I am delighted that C-TEC has been nominated for such a prestigious and important initiative. 2011 marks our 30th year of manufacturing world-class life safety products and I can think of no better way to celebrate than by flying the flag for not only the UK but also Wigan as a centre of manufacturing excellence. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of everyone at C-TEC and hope the publicity generated by the initiative will attract yet more hard-working and talented people to join the team.”

C-TEC can be found on the web here.