Car manufacturer inspired following Royal visit

Toyota Manufacturing UK has been reflecting on an inspiring visit to its Burnaston plant by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The car manufacturer welcomed the Royal visitor to the factory last month, to celebrate the region’s leadership in automotive innovation and skills development.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by local dignitaries and civic leaders before touring key areas of the plant.

The Princess Royal engaged with apprentices in the assembly area, explored the Technical Skills Development Apprenticeship Academy, and learned about Toyota’s retailer network training at the Sales and Marketing Academy.

The visit also included a presentation on hydrogen and electric vehicle technology, as well as a showcase of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hilux prototype vehicle.

Reflecting on the day, Dariusz Mikolajczak, managing director at TMUK, said: “We were deeply honoured by HRH The Princess Royal’s visit.

“Her engagement with our apprentices and interest in our sustainability initiatives inspires us to continue driving innovation and investing in future talent.”

The visit concluded with Her Royal Highness unveiling a commemorative plaque, marking this special occasion for TMUK and the wider Derbyshire community.

Toyota was not the only manufacturer The Prince Royal visited on the day.

Vaillant Group UK also hosted Her Royal Highness at its recently opened £40 million manufacturing facility in Derby.

She paid a visit to the heating giant’s facility at Indurent Park Derby, which produces high recovery hot water cylinder models developed to meet the needs of UK consumers for low carbon, low temperature heating systems, as well as traditional boiler systems.

Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Henrik Hansen, managing director of Vaillant Group UK and Ireland, and Joe Dunn, plant director at Vaillant Group UK, along with representatives of Vaillant Group UK’s senior leadership team.

They were joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ajit Atwal, as well as key local community partners who work closely with Vaillant, including Marketing Derby, Derby Museums, Derby College Group, YMCA Derbyshire, Morley Hayes and Upbeat Clean.