DUDLEY South MP Mike Wood has congratulated Brierley Hill manufacturing firm, Welin Lambie, on a new contract to supply key equipment to the next-generation US Navy aircraft carriers.

Welin Lambie has provided key manufacturing jobs in Dudley South for over 100 years and has already taken on more staff to fulfil the US Navy contract.

Conservative MP Mike Wood praised the company, saying the contract shows the “true potential and reach of Black Country manufacturing”.

Founded in 1901, the Brierley Hill firm has produced davits for launching and recovering lifeboats and fast rescue craft for many well-known vessels, including for the Royal Yacht Britannia, and numerous US Coast Guard vessels.

The most recent contract is for US Navy Ford Class aircraft carriers.

After visiting Welin Lambie headquarters in Old Bush Street, Brierley Hill, Mr Wood said: “It’s been fantastic to meet with Welin Lambie’s new managing director, Ben Dunscombe, and to hear how the firm plans to build on the success of new contracts such as this deal with the US Navy.

“The fact that Welin Lambie proudly source nearly all their supply chains from within a couple of miles of their Brierley Hill factory means that every time the US Navy places an order it creates and sustains jobs here in the Black Country.

“This really does show the true potential and reach of Black Country manufacturing.”

Welin Lambie managing director, Ben Dunscombe, said: “We were delighted to host our local MP Mike Wood to Welin Lambie so we could show him first hand the products that we produce, and to discuss the export orders we have won.

“As we look to the future, we hope to secure new domestic orders too, which will directly contribute to Brierley Hill and to the delivery of the UK national shipbuilding strategy.”