Secretary of State for Transport visits Rolls-Royce at Goodwood

Mr McLoughlin was accompanied by The Rt Hon Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel & South Downs.

Mr McLoughlin was briefed by members of the Rolls-Royce Board of Directors on the company’s recent investments, including a major expansion to the manufacturing plant and the creation of 200 new permanent jobs in the last 12 months.

The briefing also included details of the company’s continued success, with a fourth year of record sales in 2013 and development of the company’s worldwide dealer network, currently standing at 120 dealerships.

Mr McLoughlin toured the facility, taking particular interest in the company’s Bespoke operation and the hand craftsmanship demonstrated in the wood and leather shops.

He took the opportunity to chat with employees, including a number of current apprentices.

Mr McLoughlin was also able to participate in the manufacturing process, installing a Spirit of Ecstasy figurine on the grille of a customer’s car.

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin said: “The Rolls-Royce Motors Cars facility at Goodwood is state of the art, and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet the team, tour the production line, and see for myself the incredible range of expertise that goes into producing these iconic British cars.” ‎

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “It was a great privilege to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport to the Home of Rolls-Royce and to be able to brief the Minister on the extraordinary success of Rolls-Royce in recent years.

“We were deeply gratified at the interest shown in our business and for his warm and gracious words.”

On departing Rolls-Royce, Mr McLoughlin left for the Festival of Speed, a short drive from the manufacturing plant. Rolls-Royce is sited on the south-westerly corner of the Goodwood Estate.

Report and picture contributed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited.