By Ellis Butcher Business editor

Last updated at 13:37, Thursday, 16 August 2012

Workers at a Cumbrian factory have been applauded for 30 years of manufacturing excellence.

Trainer makers from the New Balance factory at Flimby, near Maryport, travelled to a major event in London.

They were roundly acknowledged by company bosses for their sterling services.

Singled out for special praise was long-standing staff member Ann Ormond, who has worked out of west Cumbria since the Boston-based athletics giants set up a site there back in 1982.

Alan Hed, executive vice president of New Balance International, said: “It gives me great pride and pleasure to make this tribute to the inspiration, dedication and commitment of our skilled workforce in Flimby.”

Members of the factory were presented with a specially-commissioned bronze cast running shoe.

Other senior New Balance figures paid special tribute to the efforts of staff, who have been making shoes at Flimby since 1991.

Jon Ram, previously New Balance’s managing director, said: “With this commemoration, we also demonstrate New Balance’s principled support of domestic manufacturing and sustainable growth.

“This ideal stands as a central part of the company’s strategic vision. and its support of the local community and the British economy.”

New Balance moved to west Cumbria in 1982. The Flimby site employs over 210 people, producing 1.2 million pairs of trainers a year. Around 90 per cent of all footwear sold goes to European markets. Across the globe, 4,000 people work for New Balance.

First published at 11:27, Thursday, 16 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk