VIDEO: World leading firm opens in larger Storrington facility

On Friday (June 6) Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert cut the red ribbon to mark the official opening of Tesla’s new plant in Water Lane industrial park.

Mr Herbert said: “Companies like this are a shining example.

“We must ensure that we have an open economy so people with the right qualifications can work for these businesses.

“Our whole national effort should be so that businesses like Tesla can continue to grow.”

The new, larger facility is opposite the old site (that will remain in use by the company) which managing director of Tesla, Mike Begg, said the company was ‘getting too big for’.

He said: “We needed to expand our management, our people and our staff.

Tesla Engineering’s new £2.5m facility which employs around 240 people, specialises in making gradient coils for MRI scanners used in hospitals, as well as specialist components for other medical applications including proton therapy equipment for the treatment of cancers.

Stuart Pegrum of Mevion Medical Systems, which works in partnership with Tesla as a radiation therapy company dedicated to advancing the treatment of cancer, said this is a positive move for their continued growth together.

He said: “We should be proud of what we’re doing to fight this terrible disease.”

Horsham District Council (HDC) Chairman Brian O’Connell said that he is very proud that the council supported the application.

Commenting on HDC’s support, UK Finance Director David Cracknell said: “HDC has been very supportive of Tesla.

“It was instrumental in getting us a Traffic Regulation Order.

“During the planning process for the new factory, HDC gave us excellent advice throughout the process, which meant that we stood the best possible chance of getting planning permission.

“Once the application was submitted, the councillors also demonstrated a remarkable level of support for us, which we also greatly appreciated.”

Demand for Tesla products is strong and as business booms the company’s turnover has been steadily growing.

The 2.75-acre site was purchased from a local farmer opposite and to the north east of its former Water Lane site.

The business also supplies the semi-conductor and nuclear fusion industries as well.

Around 20 per cent of Tesla’s employees are skilled people recruited from overseas and the firm hopes that the government will allow them to source the very best people from across the globe.