TBA Protective Technologies pioneers future of British manufacturing

TBA Protective Technologies ‘Manufacturing Matters’ competition, challenges three local high schools to develop an idea for a product and create corresponding production, marketing and financial plans

Rochdale manufacturer, TBA Protective Technologies (TBA-PT), has launched an exciting new competition for schools in the local area designed to inspire the British manufacturing stars of the future.

The ‘Manufacturing Matters’ competition, launched Monday 10 October 2016, challenges three local high schools to develop an idea for a product and create corresponding production, marketing and financial plans. Middleton Technology School, Kingsway Park High School, and Holy Family RC & CE College will be assisted by a mentor who is currently undertaking, or recently completed, an apprenticeship with TBA-PT as well as an experienced mentor from within the company. The final ideas will be presented to a board of judges at the end of December.

Kieran Royales from Middleton Technology School commented: “As a school, we are dedicated to developing the talents, interests and educational hopes of all our students. Many of our students are interested in running their own businesses and the ‘Manufacturing Matters’ competition is a great opportunity for them to explore potential future career paths, whilst showcasing their creative (and competitive) flair.”

Mark Lineker, General Manager of TBA Protective Technologies, added: “A key problem for the manufacturing industry is the lack of young people coming into the business. TBA-PT has been manufacturing high performance textiles out of Rochdale for over 145 years. We have a duty, both to our industry and the local community, to share our expertise, passion and genuine excitement for the future of British manufacturing. Our ‘Manufacturing Matters’ competition aims to show young people in the area how rewarding a career in the industry can be whilst helping them to advance their skills and knowledge of the working world.”

This event forms part of a larger commitment by the company to the development and continuation of British manufacturing. It is set to invest £700,000 into its manufacturing plant in Rochdale over the next two years, enabling the company to bring the production and testing it previously outsourced to the Netherlands back to the UK. Plans include creating a cutting-edge facility on their factory site to house new machinery and testing areas to further develop their production of high performance fabrics.