HRH The Princess Royal tours MTL Advanced in Rotherham
Above: HRH The Princess Royal touring MTL Advanced facilities in Rotherham with Steve Hartley, Managing Director of WEC Group (left) and Karl Stewart, General Manager of MTL Advanced (right).
Courtesy WEC
Her Royal Highness toured the Rotherham facility at a pivotal moment in the company’s journey. Over recent years, MTL Advanced has transformed from a regional engineering SME employing 130 people into a market-leading contract manufacturing and fabrication business with a workforce of 480 employees, supporting major programmes across the UK. The visit reflected the scale of that growth and the business’s strengthening role within British manufacturing and the local community.
With a strong and growing order book and increased operational capacity, MTL Advanced has continued to invest in both infrastructure and people to support critical UK programmes. The Princess Royal’s longstanding association with the Armed Forces and the Defence community made the visit particularly significant, reflecting the close alignment between MTL’s capabilities and the sectors it supports.
A central focus of the visit was MTL’s Apprentice Training Academy, delivered in partnership with the WEC Engineering Academy. The Academy has played a vital role in developing the next generation of engineers, equipping apprentices with high-level skills in welding, fabrication, machining and business to meet the evolving needs of the UK’s high-specification industries.
During her facility tour, Her Royal Highness met members of staff and engaged with apprentices currently undertaking their training while working within a live production environment. The Academy has expanded in line with MTL’s rapid growth and has supported an ongoing recruitment drive, with the business continuing to create high-quality engineering roles each September to meet increasing demand.
The Princess Royal also learned about MTL’s new Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC), a major recent investment in a 75,000 sq. ft. facility featuring cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on automation and robotic systems. Since opening in November 2024, the facility has created more than 150 new jobs, significantly boosting local employment and strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing capability.
The AMC has played a key role in supporting recent contract awards and has enabled MTL to scale operations in line with its rapidly growing order book.
In honour of the occasion, the company’s apprentices designed and fabricated a bespoke stainless steel horse sculpture named “Doublet.” The piece was inspired by The Princess Royal’s lifelong association with equestrian sport. A highly respected and accomplished horsewoman, The Princess Royal competed for Great Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and has long been a prominent supporter of British equestrianism.
Crafted entirely in-house using advanced cutting, forming and welding techniques, Doublet was formally presented to HRH The Princess Royal alongside a commemorative plaque to mark her visit.
The sculpture showcased both the technical expertise and creativity of MTL’s apprentices, reflecting the hands-on, industry-led training delivered through the Academy.
Karl Stewart, General Manager of MTL Advanced, said: “We were extremely proud to welcome Her Royal Highness to MTL Advanced today. Her visit recognised not only the progress we have made as a business, but also the importance of investing in apprenticeships and skills to secure the future of UK manufacturing.
"Our partnership with the WEC Engineering Academy has ensured that we are developing highly skilled engineers capable of supporting customers across industry. With recent contract awards, continued expansion and active recruitment, it is an exciting time for MTL, and our apprentices remain at the heart of that success.”
Steve Hartley, Managing Director of WEC Group and Head of the Board of Governors at WEC Engineering Academy, added: “Today’s visit was a proud moment not just for MTL Advanced, but for the wider WEC Group, and we were honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal took the time to visit us. It was a privilege to showcase the exceptional work taking place across the business and to highlight the dedication of our apprentices and wider team.
"Investing in young people has always been central to our long-term strategy. Through the WEC Engineering Academy, we are building a pipeline of highly skilled engineers who will support British industry for decades to come.”
The visit marked an important milestone in MTL’s growth journey. Continued investment in new technology, facilities and people reflects the wider WEC Group strategy of reinvestment, innovation and long-term capability building.
MTL Advanced remains committed not only to delivering exceptional quality, strong on-time performance and collaborative customer partnerships, but also to playing an active role within the local community. Through charitable initiatives, community engagement programmes and sustained investment in apprenticeships and early careers, the business continues to create sustainable, high-value career opportunities while contributing positively to the regions in which it operates.
