Crane manufacturer hosts royal visitor

The Duke of Kent visited Liebherr on Thursday. During his time at the factory, he took part in a tour, spoke to staff and even jumped at the opportunity to test drive a crane.

He was greeted by the Ralph Saelzer, the Managing Director of Liebherr Sunderland, before meeting Sunderland MP Julie Elliot and the Mayor and Mayoress, Couns David and Dianne Snowdon.

The visit was a part of the Duke’s twoday tour of the North East – with the Sunderland factory being selected due to its continued investment in the city and its awardwinning apprenticeship programme.

Mr Saelzer said: “It was a real pleasure and honour to welcome the Duke of Kent to our facility and give him an in-depth tour of our factory.

“Over the past 30 years, Leibherr Sunderland has produced and exported thousands of cranes to all corners of the globe.

“We have also trained hundreds of apprentices in this time, many of which are still with us today.” Of the 190 staff that Leibherr employs, 23 of them are currently apprentices.

His Royal Highness took the time to speak to some during his visit. Ellie Wilson, an apprentice quality engineer said: “It has been amazing meeting the Duke of Kent, there’s been a real buzz around the place and everyone has really enjoyed it.”

The Duke’s visit comes months after it was announced that Liebherr had received the lease to the former Alex Smiles waste site in order to further develop its business.