Northeast plastics manufacturer gets gold for Armed Forces support

A County Durham plastics manufacturer is one of only 22 companies in the UK to be recognised for its support of Armed Forces personnel.

TA Plastics, based in Spennymoor in the North East of England, has been awarded the gold certification in this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which is designed to recognise and thank employers who are supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families.

The company has two reservists in its team of 30 staff to whom it provides flexibility in order to accommodate their training or other needs.

Gold standard

To qualify for a Gold Award, employers must not only go through a rigorous boarding process to pledge their support, but also become advocates, encouraging others to do likewise.

Managing Director, John Humphreys, said he was “hugely honoured” to win the gold award, adding that providing support is important to both the Armed Forces and the business, which has benefitted from the new skills brought by the reservists.

Congratulating the winners, Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, said: “Every year the level of support from companies across Britain for the Armed Forces continues to grow.

“This commitment is making a real difference to everyone who serves and their families – whether giving Reservists more time to train or supporting veterans or spouses, they embody what the Armed Forces Covenant is about.”

James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “I was in the Armed Forces in my early career at know at first hand how important it is to have a positive approach to people who want to serve their country and also have a permanent job outside of the army. TA Plastics are to be congratulated for what they have achieved.”