Pat McFadden MP Wolverhampton South East Representing Bilston South, Bilston North, East Park, Ettingshall North, Ettingshall South and Spring Vale, Bentley and Darlaston North, Darlaston South, Willenhall South.
One of the great things about representing Wolverhampton South East is the stories of all the small and medium sized businesses located here.
In a constituency with lots of industrial estates, each building within them represents a story of a great idea which someone had which was built into something real and which now makes great products or services and employs people. I love to visit them and hear their stories.
Of course, many of the big names in manufacturing which used to employ thousands have long gone. But it would be a mistake to assume that we don’t make anything anymore. There are lots of small manufacturing businesses making great products in the Black Country -; and they are absolutely vital to the local economy.
I went to one such business earlier this month-; Optimal Armour based in Bilston. They make armoured seats for the pilots of Chinook helicopters. It’s a highly specialised process involving layer upon layer of bullet proof material and ceramics, all melded together to create a product that can withstand armour piercing bullets. This product made in Bilston plays a vital role in protecting our troops. I was very grateful to be shown around and to hear the story of the business. And I am pleased that something so crucial for our armed forces is made here in Bilston.