Richard visited the New Holland Tractor Factory based in Basildon to show his support for a large, local business and discuss the performance of the sector following Brexit and the Government’s Budget.
Last year, the New Holland plant celebrated 60 years of tractor production and has manufactured over two million tractors. It employs over 1,000 people in Basildon and works with Basildon Borough Council to ensure its sustainable business is innovative and ready for growth.
Following the budget last year, which pilled extra taxes on farmers, Mr Holden twice raised the factory in Parliament and the concerns of constituents following the increase of taxes on the agricultural supply sector.
Speaking after the visit, The Rt Hon Richard Holden MP said:
“The UK Manufacturing supply chain is vitally important for good jobs across the UK, and the New Holland factory is a prime example of the jobs we need and should support. We have this major employer that is consistently competing with foreign companies in the global market, something to be truly proud of, and I am worried about the knock-on effect Labour’s taxes on our farmers and businesses will have on the agricultural business supply chain in the UK, which is another reason the Government should think again.
I had a fantastic time learning how tractors, the backbone of our farming industry, are made. The factory itself is incredibly innovative and it was evident that the workers are one large family. I will do my best to bring colleagues to visit the factory and see firsthand what a brilliant company New Holland is, and to show our support for jobs, good businesses across the country, and our farmers.”
