We were honoured to welcome former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to our purpose-built factory in Northallerton, North Yorkshire recently. The Richmond and Northallerton MP was present to celebrate reaching 60 years of UK electronics manufacturing excellence and recognise our talented workforce and contribution to the community.
During his visit he met members of Mowden’s 50-strong staff, a number of whom have worked here for more than 30 years, whilst also discovering the journey of our young apprentices.
Rishi said: “Mowden Controls is a most impressive operation. It has grown steadily throughout its history and has acquired a number of loyal customers across different sectors who value the quality of its work designing and manufacturing electronic solutions.
“It is at the forefront of its field of expertise in PCB assemblies, but remains a family business which clearly looks after its staff.”
Mr Sunak was shown round the business by our managing director Stephen Williams, son of co-founder Lewis Williams, and technical director Neil Maclean.
Mr Williams explained that his father and engineer Vince Ellington had created the company 60 years ago. The name came from The Mowden public house in the Mowden suburb of Darlington where the pair were discussing their plans for the company over a drink. Despite the name it has always been based in Northallerton.
The company had been through a period of growth and now had a turnover of £6.5m a year. There had been significant capital investment, partly funded by the ‘super-deduction’ relief introduced by Mr Sunak during his time as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mr Williams said the company had been delighted to show Mr Sunak what the company did and had achieved. He added: “It underlines our achievement that the former Prime Minister took the time to come and celebrate this milestone with us and we would like to extend our thanks to him for doing us that honour.”
Our Sales Director and daughter of one of the founders, also had a few words for the occasion: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that UK manufacturing is great — at least by all of us involved in it!
That’s why it was such an honour to welcome former PM Rishi Sunak to MOWDEN CONTROLS LIMITED Controls during his recent visit.
He came to recognise our 60-year milestone, but also to see first-hand the significant investments we’ve made in our surface mount department and automated stock control systems.
The highlight of the visit?
Getting to showcase our incredible team — the knowledge, experience, and passion behind everything we do. They are what truly make Mowden the company it is.”
Rishi Sunak has praised Mowden Controls’ commitment to excellence as it celebrates its 60th birthday.”
