The Princess Royal opens Airedale’s new factory
Airedale International Air Conditioning’s new state-of-the-art facility in Rawdon, Leeds, built following a major fire in September 2013, was formally opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal last month. The 23 000 m2 premises have a BREEAM ‘Very good’ rating and feature one of the largest and most extensive R&D facilities in Europe.
The unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the reception area was preceded by a tour of the facility. It took in the R&D centre, sheet-metal production area, paint plant and coil-assembly area, production line for precision air conditioning, chiller area, CITB-approved training-school workshops and classroom, along with the offices.
She also spoke with employees, including current and former apprentices.
Also at the opening were Stuart Andrew (MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough), Judith Blake (leader of Leeds City Council) and Tom Riordan (chief executive of Leeds City Council).
Speaking afterwards Clive Parkman, managing director, said: ‘It was an incredible honour to receive this visit by The Princess Royal, and one that our employees will remember for years to come.
‘We are very proud of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities here in Rawdon and the teams that run them, so it was a pleasure to be able to present these to such a prestigious guest.
‘We are very privileged that The Princess Royal has taken such interest in our work and the future of British manufacturing.’
