A KENDAL company which has supplied more than 6,500 hydro turbines to some 80 countries has been praised as a ‘shining light’ by the government minister for apprenticeships.

Gordon Birtwistle, the Liberal Democrat MP for Burnley, was speaking at the Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon factory at Canal Head.

He toured the facilities and presented seven apprentices with their graduation certificates along with South Lakes MP Tim Farron.

“Gilkes is a company which understands that the workforce of the future is best when it is home grown,” said Mr Birtwistle.

“That allows apprentices to be moulded into the company ethos and who are loyal because of the time and effort put into training.”

Mr Birtwistle was shown around the company’s refurbished HQ, a project funded through a successful Regional Growth Fund (RFG) bid to help regenerate the site and ensure Gilkes’ presence as one of Kendal’s most significant employers.

The project will provide a state-of-the art research and development suite, a reception area and offices for all 250 staff members.