In a surprising pit stop from politics, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently revved up his engines for a visit to Xtrac’s headquarters in Thatcham, Berkshire. The visit, orchestrated by Laura Farris, MP for Newbury, gave the PM a firsthand look at the inner workings of the company that powers motorsports worldwide with its advanced gearboxes.
Accompanied by Farris and greeted by Kirsty Knight, Peter Digby, and Adrian Moore, the PM took a tour of Xtrac’s design and manufacturing facilities. With operations running 24/7, Xtrac is a driving force behind Formula 1, Indycar, and NASCAR successes globally, exporting a whopping 70% of its output.
Posting on social media, Sunak lauded Xtrac’s apprenticeship schemes, dubbing it a “West Berkshire success story.” Farris chimed in, praising Xtrac’s growth and its role in training over 180 apprentices, many of whom have shifted gears to successful careers within and beyond the company.
During the visit, Moore highlighted the automotive industry’s transition to electric propulsion, emphasizing Xtrac’s pivotal role in developing transmission systems for this electrifying future.
Xtrac’s VIP guest list isn’t limited to political figures; it’s also rolled out the red carpet for royalty. Back in 2018, then-Prime Minister Theresa May inaugurated a manufacturing facility extension, celebrating the company’s £22 million investment in UK manufacturing.
With a track record of excellence, Xtrac has garnered accolades like the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and the Princess Royal Training Award. Notably, its first-ever apprentice, Simon Short, still holds a senior role after over two decades with the company – talk about staying in pole position!
Beyond apprenticeships, Xtrac offers undergrad programs, work experience for high schoolers, and summer internships. With innovation fueling its engines, Xtrac isn’t just driving success – it’s shifting into high gear for the future.
