Photo of Remploy Employees from left to right; Joanne Ward, David Pattison, Nigel Mackie, Stephen Avery, Robin Leaver, Keith Stephenson

Robin Leaver, who has worked for Remploy for 39 years, said: “It’s the first time I have ever been to visit a customer, it was fantastic!”

Joanne Ward, team leader at the Remploy Spennymoor factory said it was “great” working for Thorn. Remploy prepares electronic components for both Thorn and sister brand Tridonic and more recently has been re-labelling pallets for Thorn Logistics. Ms Ward said she hoped the partnership, which employs a core team of up to 10-15, could expand further. “Our workforce can turn their hands to almost anything,” she said. “We appreciate the invitation so much and would like to say a big thank you to every-one involved in organising the day for us.”

Remploy's purpose is to significantly increase the employment opportunities of disabled people and those who experience complex barriers to work. There are 54 Remploy locations in the UK employing more than 2,200 disabled people. The Spennymoor factory employs 43 staff carrying out a variety of jobs, from packing for supermarkets to labelling for the RAF.

Thorn’s logistics inventory controller Helen Dunn who organised the visit, including tours of the fitting and component factories, said: “Remploy provide an invaluable service. I am constantly impressed by their interest, enthusiasm and professionalism in their work.

“Hopefully the visit has provided them with an even greater insight into lighting. I look forward to continuing these links in the future.”

Thorn Academy of Light manager Martin Thompson said he enjoyed spending time with his manufacturing neighbours, who constantly reminded him about the importance of people. He said: “Throughout their visit their enthusiasm for their roles and manufacturing tasks shone through.”