COMMENT - Firm’s work for Olympics merits a gold (From Evesham Journal)

COMMENT - Firm’s work for Olympics merits a gold

8:50am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Letters

IF there were Olympic medals for manufacturers, UK Loco, which has its factory in Cropthorne, near Evesham, would get a gold.

Its work went on show before a global audience of a billion at the London 2012 opening ceremony last Friday.

Replica looms made by the firm were the centrepiece of the Industrial Revolution segment of Danny Boyle’s critically lauded curtain-raiser to the Games.

It also made the crucible used to cast the Olympic rings before they were hoisted aloft – producing one of the most memorable moments of a visually rich ceremony.

The event was a magnificent showcase for the work of UK Loco, whose other recent high-profile contract was for restoration work on the capsules of the London Eye.

Hopefully, the publicity will bring it more contracts and help ensure the continuing prosperity of one of the Vale’s manufacturing success stories.

On the subject of success, congratulations to Zara Phillips – a familiar face in Cotswold equestrian circles – for her role in the five-strong eventing team that won a silver for Great Britain in the Games.

A word of praise, too, for Ian Speechley, a dentist from Bourtonon- the-Water, who is providing dental care for the athletes.