TATTON MP George Osborne cut the ribbon to unveil the new UK headquarters of global manufacturer Balluff, marking a £1 million investment.

The company is a leading global provider of sensors and industrial technology, and relocated recently to the Cheshire Business Park at Lostock Gralam from Cheadle.

Mr Osborne was met by managing director John Radford, and formally opened the new office before enjoying a tour of the company’s high-tech sensor demonstration facility and learning how Balluff products are helping to deliver improvements in the manufacturing process throughout the supply chain.

The company has been successful at working with local schools and universities to provide students with an insight into the engineering environment.

Mr Osborne said: “I am delighted to see that yet another leading name is choosing Cheshire as its place to do business, and is creating more high-skilled jobs and opportunities, particularly for young people.

“Investing in apprenticeships not only helps to create a more capable workforce for companies, but boosts skills and productivity in the economy so that we are better able to compete with the rest of the world.”

Mr Radford said: “Over the past 12 months Balluff has invested more than £1 million into the facility as part of our ongoing commitment to customer service excellence.

“We’re immensely proud of our new customer support and training centre here in Northwich, which will provide a base for a varied programme of learning for customers from across the UK.

“These workshops enable our customers to become the experts on sensing solutions specific to their own industry and environment."

Mr Osborne was shown around the demonstration area by Balluff regional managers Sally Wilder and Jack Hints.

“It was great to show Mr Osborne what we do here at Balluff,” said Sally.

Jack said: “Mr Osborne was really interested in our products, and was well aware of some of our customers within the automotive, packaging and factory automation sectors.

“When I started here straight from university I never thought a few years later I would be meeting the Chancellor and showing him around our new training and exhibition area.”