Somerset factory to open doors to more than 270 visitors

Chard-based Numatic International is opening its doors as part of National Manufacturing Day on Thursday, September 24 <i>(Image: Numatic International)</i>
Chard-based Numatic International is opening its doors as part of National Manufacturing Day on Thursday, September 24 (Image: Numatic International)
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A Somerset factory is welcoming more than 270 visitors for behind-the-scenes tours of its production line.

Numatic International, based in Chard and best known for making the iconic Henry vacuum cleaner, is opening its doors as part of National Manufacturing Day on Thursday, September 24.

The tours will give visitors a rare chance to see how the popular product is made.

Simon Lawson, managing director of Numatic, said: "Over one million Henry vacuums roll off our production line in Somerset every year, which is equivalent to one every 30 seconds.

"As a business, we take genuine pride in what we do.

"Quality, affordability, sustainability, and reliability lie at the heart of our business, which is why Henrys are designed and tested to last at least 25 years, with many going far beyond that.

"Our mantra is repair rather than replace, so we can provide spare parts for every Henry ever made."

To mark the occasion, the company is launching a limited-edition National Manufacturing Day Henry vacuum cleaner.

Only 1,000 units will be produced.

It features a special design celebrating British manufacturing and the 130th anniversary of Make UK, the premier trade body for manufacturers and engineering companies in the UK.

The limited-edition model will be available from Thursday, September 24 and will retail for £129.99.

Numatic has invested more than £85m in expanding its factory and recently installed a solar array capable of powering the production of half a million Henrys each year.

Fiona McGarry, region director for the South of England at Make UK, said: "National Manufacturing Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the strength and diversity of British manufacturing and give people a first-hand look at the skills, innovation and craftsmanship behind the products they know and see in their everyday lives.

"Numatic International is a fantastic example of this, welcoming more than 270 visitors to its Somerset factory on National Manufacturing Day.

"Henry is a product that generations of young people will have seen at home, in schools, hotels and other places in their everyday lives, so being able to see how it is designed and manufactured here in the UK can bring the reality of British manufacturing to life.

"The launch of a special limited-edition Henry, marking 45 years of an iconic British product alongside 130 years of Make UK, is a fitting way to celebrate the enduring strength of manufacturing in the UK and the people behind it."

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