Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Peter Luff MP with WFEL’s Chief Executive, Ian Wilson

The government’s Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Peter Luff MP, made a date with Stockport-based defence engineering business WFEL this Valentine’s Day.

The Conservative minister, who represents the Mid-Worcestershire constituency, was given a tour of the company’s recently expanded support services facility.

WFEL invested more than £200,000 in the new 14,000 sq ft building to increase the capacity of its fast growing support services division which repairs its tactical military bridging returning from active use in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Luff also witnessed a test bridge build procedure for WFEL’s flagship system — the Dry Support Bridge — which is currently the longest unreinforced bridge of its kind in the world.

Ian Wilson, WFEL’s Chief Executive, said: “With exports accounting for such a significant proportion of our revenue, the support of the UK government and its agencies overseas is critical.

“The minister’s visit came straight after our team had joined his colleague Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy, on a trade mission to India.

“This level of UK Government engagement is very helpful and encouraging for WFEL as we continue to look to new markets overseas whilst consolidating our work within the UK MoD.”