Back

New Factory Declared Open For 150 Year Old Local Manufacturing Firm

Cottam Brush in Hebburn opened its doors to over 100 guests for the official opening of its new factory.
"We may be 150 years old but we're only just getting started!" Proudly declared Ben Cottam, Managing Director to guests during his speech, "This Company is going places - watch this space!" Ben then handed over to his 81 year old grandfather (and active company director) George Cottam to unveil the plaque and officially declare the state of the art industrial brush factory open.
The event was well supported by customers, suppliers and local dignitaries alike. "It was a great success," said Stephen Hepburn, MP for Jarrow, "[I] was made to feel very much at home". David Miliband, South Shields MP and Foreign Secretary wasn't able to make it on the day but passed on his best wishes and has signed up for a full factory tour in May.
"Today was about showing off; we're a small company and to generate such interest has been a great morale boost for our staff" explained Alan Crook, Manufacturing Director, "The whole team has worked so hard to get this place going; it's been great to see guests enjoying themselves and to get so much positive feedback has been a bonus."
It was a fun event with factory tours, demonstrations, banter and even the opportunity for gusts to make a brush. Delegates from Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) were a little nervous about this, "We're supposed to be the manufacturing experts," commented Neil Radbourne from MAS, "It will be a bit embarrassing if we can't do it!" It turned out that Neil didn't need to worry. Guests were impressed with the factory and the event in equal measures, with Gary Stoker from Engineers Employers Federation (EEF) saying that "Ben, Alan and the team have captured the WOW factor!"

Further details of Cottam Brush can be found at www.cottambrush.com

Caption: George Cottam unveiling the plaque with Ben Cottam to the left.