MP visits Pickering's biggest employer producing parts for Jaguar Land Rover
Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake recently visited WHS Plastics in Pickering, creating car parts destined for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles (Image: Lucille Moore)
The Thirsk and Malton MP recently visited a business in Ryedale creating car parts destined for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.
WHS Plastics welcomed a visit from Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, who toured the factory to see its injection moulding, paint, assembly, and tooling operations.
The parts are produced at the Westgate Carr Road facility in Pickering.
Mr Hollinrake said: "Manufacturing is vital to the prosperity of our area, and WHS Pickering is a prime example of high-value British engineering thriving right here in Ryedale.
"It is an impressive operation that not only supplies world-class automotive names like JLR, but also provides stable, highly skilled jobs for local people.
"Backing employers like WHS is essential if we want to retain talent, train the next generation of engineers, and keep North Yorkshire’s economy resilient."
The company, which produces components for luxury automotive brands including Jaguar Land Rover, is the largest single employer in Pickering.
Its plant director, David Britson, said: "Many people passing through Pickering might not realise that parts heading straight into luxury British vehicles are designed and manufactured right here on their doorstep.
"Being the town’s largest employer is a responsibility we take seriously.
"Our greatest asset has always been our people, and as we look ahead, we want local jobseekers, school leavers, and experienced engineers to know that there are high-quality, long-term careers right here in Ryedale."
The MP’s visit included a tour of the shop floor and conversations with staff about the realities and opportunities of modern manufacturing.
Discussions also covered the importance of apprenticeships, technical training, and career development for retaining talent in the region and reducing the need for residents to commute for skilled employment.
Other topics raised included the need for improved transport links, such as the A170 and A169, to support efficient supply chains, and the value of regional economic support for energy-intensive industries.
Following the visit, WHS Plastics has begun talks with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority about potential workforce development programmes and business support.
The company is experiencing increased demand from automotive contracts and is keen to promote its apprenticeship schemes and skilled roles as accessible career options for people in Ryedale.
WHS Pickering’s operations include high-spec injection moulding, component painting, assembly, and tooling.
It produces both exterior and interior parts for tier-one automotive manufacturers.
The company’s focus on technical training and long-term employment is seen as crucial for strengthening North Yorkshire’s industrial base and supporting economic growth in the region.
For more information about job openings, apprenticeships, and opportunities at WHS Pickering, visit whs-plastics.com/careers or email hr-pickering@whs-plastics.com.
WHS Plastics Pickering Ltd describes itself as a "specialist plastic injection moulding facility and the town's largest single employer."
It remains committed to developing home-grown talent and supporting the wider Ryedale community through stable, skilled employment.