Staff and the Directors at ABT Products, based on the Ashburton Industrial Estate, were thrilled to welcome a Royal visitor to the factory on Tuesday, October 18th.

Arriving by helicopter, and accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley, the Princess Royal, was welcomed by Cadets, the High Sherrif, Bill Jackson, members of the ABT management team and other dignitaries. These included the Mayor and Mayoress of Ross, Councillor David Ravenscroft and his wife, Doreen.

ABT Products was established in 1971 and is an international company, with links to various well-known companies.

Directors, Mark Hignett and Tim Morris, introduced the Princess Royal to the work carried out in the factory which produces cabs, rollbars, safety structures and chassis for vehicles, including the iconic Morgan which is featured in this week’s Ross Gazette.

The Princess Royal spent time at each stage of the manufacturing process talking to those responsible for each area. She met long serving members of staff as well as the recent intake of apprentices.

Princess Anne left the factory in order to visit another local business before leaving Ross for engagements in Hereford.