South: Xtrac supports Southern Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year campaign
World-leading motorsport specialist Xtrac will support the Southern Manufacturing 100 Apprentice of the Year programme for 2019.
Xtrac, based at Thatcham, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of transmissions and driveline components for top-level motorsport and high-performance automotive applications.
Xtrac supplies most of the world's top motorsport teams, including many of the major factory entrants as well as smaller teams racing in ‘one-make’ championships and technology regulated formulae.
High-performance automotive customers rely on Xtrac’s specialist expertise and reduced lead times particularly in hypercar transmissions, and advanced technology transmissions for use in high performance hybrid and electric vehicles.
Based in Berkshire and in the US, Xtrac is a major ambassador for the UK’s world- renowned motorsport industry. Employing more than 350 highly qualified staff to work on global customer programmes, Xtrac supplies transmission and driveline products including gearboxes, differentials and gearchange systems - of which almost 80% is exported around the world.
Xtrac is extremely proud to be supporting the Southern Manufacturing Apprenticeship Awards programme, especially as the Xtrac Advanced Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering Scheme was the recipient of the Princess Royal Training Award in 2018.
Xtrac’s apprentices, working alongside Newbury College, gain experience in all aspects of the business, including skilled machining, process management, engineering and gearbox assembly.
Peter Digby, president of Xtrac and an ex British Airways engineer apprentice, is very happy to support the Southern Manufacturing Apprentice Awards programme.
He said: “Manufacturing apprenticeships offer a great step into the important engineering and manufacturing sectors and create valuable skilled and incredibly loyal employees. Over 85% of all Xtrac apprentices are still working for the company, including the very first one from 1990.”
Manufacturers across the south feature in The Business Magazine’s Southern Manufacturing 100 which is sponsored by Xtrac, the headline sponsor, plus Lloyds Bank and advisory firm MHA MacIntyre Hudson. The list provides an insight into the wealth of manufacturing and engineering companies in the south and helps shine the spotlight on this key sector which encompasses steel bridges and walling products to cosmetics and street lighting. The diversity of the sector is revealed in the list, with the rankings based on turnover.
