Global manufacturing business Wolong LDG met with Norfolk leaders to discuss plans for increased manufacturing output at the Laurence Scott Factory in Norwich.
Wolong’s delegation explained the company’s international structure and the anticipated growth in the UK. Mr Wang Jianqiao, President of Wolong LDG, also took this opportunity to hear from leaders of their plans for growth, to explore opportunities for joint working and to learn about the support on offer to Laurence Scott and Wolong from local partners and Department for International Trade, for this initiative to be fully supported.
Laurence Scott employs over 150 people in Norwich making bespoke high voltage electric motors for oil and gas, nuclear power and defence markets.
Dr James Han, Vice President and General Manager of European Operations for Wolong, said: “This is a new and exciting development for our Norwich business and moves us into a new place in our chosen markets. Wolong is a global company with worldwide marketing and design platforms. We will use our resources worldwide with a focus on Europe to make Laurence Scott business grow rapidly.”
Mr Wang Jianqiao, President of Wolong LDG, said: “We have great faith in our UK business to continue to grow due to the good reputation of our brand and quality, furthermore we will invest in a Variable Frequency Drive factory in Norwich based on the original Laurence Scott site.”
“This will be a massive help to our existing motor business. It will provide a
complete drive solutions system and make Wolong a step closer to our target as Global Motor number one.”
Cllr Graham Plant, Cabinet Member for Growth and Development, and Deputy Leader Norfolk, County Council, said: “I was delighted to meet Mr Wang and Dr Han and to hear about the exciting plans Wolong has for the Norwich facility. I’ve been very impressed with how Wolong has been developing capacity and capability in Norwich and was pleased to hear that further growth and investment are set to continue. This is a real vote of confidence in Norwich and Norfolk, and in our manufacturing base.”
Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Laurence Scott has a long and proud history as a cornerstone company in our region. We are really excited that Wolong is investing in the plant, recognising Norwich as a key centre for its growth.”
Cllr Alan Waters, Leader, Norwich City Council, said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome Mr Wang and Dr Han, and hear about their planned investment in Norwich. Wolong’s worldwide market expertise and investment will see the business expand their influence to new markets, delivering world – leading advantages in energy generation. The skilled Norwich workforce provides products of the highest quality that deliver global benefits.”
About Wolong LDG
Wolong is the large drives division of Wolong Electric, one of the top three global manufacturers of electric motors and owners of Laurence Scott in Norfolk. Wolong Electric was formed in Shengyu, China in 1984 and through organic growth and global acquisition has established itself as one of top three manufacturers in the world.
The company owns well-known electric brands such as ATB, Brook Crompton, Schorch, Morley and Laurence Scott and manufacturers in China, Germany, Vietnam, Mexico, Serbia, Poland, Austria and the UK. It has over 18,000 employees worldwide. The product range stretches from small motors for home appliances to large motors for oil distribution and marine propulsion.
Laurence Scott has manufactured in Norwich since 1883. It joined the ATB Group in 2007 and is one of three UK companies that form ATB Group UK Ltd. The other two companies are Morley, a manufacturer of specialist mining motors in Leeds, and Special Products, formerly part of Brook Crompton making small motors in Birmingham.
