New factory opened by growing Telford company

Mr Wright cut the ribbon at Air Systems' new factory on Stafford Park and met three of the firm's apprentices. He said he was pleased to see the company continuing to grow and praised bosses for investing time and money into apprentices.

The Air Systems Group is a family-owned business based in Telford which was started by managing director Bill Cooper.

The firm has moved from its old premises nearby to accommodate new parts of the business, including Manx Trophies which was taken on last year.

Mr Cooper was born and raised in Dawley, and served his apprenticeship with GKN before starting the business in 1989.

Mr Wright said: "I am always pleased to see local companies doing well, but it is especially good news to see a local Dawley lad doing so much for our town by investing locally and creating jobs.

"The Air Systems Group is a great example of how firms in Telford are innovative, forward looking and dependable and I want to pay a special tribute to Bill Cooper and his team for their hard work in supporting local industry and investing in apprenticeships."

Apprentices

Mr Cooper said: "We are delighted that David Wright could join us to celebrate the opening of our new factory, but also to meet with our apprentices.

"We believe in investing in our staff and our apprentices are an example others.

"We are a local company with a national reputation and being based in the centre of Telford at Stafford Park is ideal for us.

"It allows us to give our customers the very best service, often with same day deliveries.

"With over 100 years combined technical experience within the pneumatic industry, the Air Systems team prides itself in its ability to come up with bespoke solutions, for new equipment, or better productivity of existing production lines and methods.

"Over the years, and largely thanks to its trusted status among its clients, the business expanded into plastics, industrial engraving and sign making.

"The purchase of the Manx Trophies brand in the summer meant that new premises was needed to house a new showroom and production areas."

The firm is best known for making plumbing fittings and pneumatic cylinders. Also part of the Air Systems Group are Manx Trophies and Lewis & Mason Plastics, which provides parts for industry.