Cumbria's manufacturers unveiled their inner workings to the public during National Manufacturing Day on September 28.

Cumbria Business Growth Hub collaborated with three homegrown manufacturers to set up informative tours of their production facilities.

The tours proffered an unusual opportunity for members of the local community to explore work practices and conditions within these factories.

In Carlisle, industry giant Pirelli welcomed spectators to their tyre facility.

Attendees were introduced to the business by Engineering Manager, Allan Wilson before embarking on an exploratory voyage through manufacturing processes.

From tyre baking, robotic pallet stacking, to manual tyre checking, it was made clear that despite a high level of automation, the business continue to depend on knowledgeable, skilled workers.

A similar tour was occurring in Haverthwaite at Playdale Playgrounds, the outdoor play equipment makers.

Playdale Playgrounds President, Barry Leahey MBE, shared the company's history and success in export with the group.

Visitors were then shown the full cycle of product development, from conception, design, and manufacturing, up until after-sale services and marketing.

Pictures of installed Playdale playgrounds from different parts of the world, including South Korea, Singapore and Australia, were shown.

In Cockermouth, a group attended a tour at James Walker & Co, headed by Site Director, Ed Surman.

Attendees witnessed the production of high-spec rubber seals for a variety of industries including nuclear, renewable energy, oil and gas, and aviation.

One of the highlights was the site's flood defences which can be secured in half an hour to avert flood damage.

The head of business support at Cumbria Business Growth Hub, Lesley Robinson, said: "Our thanks to Pirelli, James Walker, and Playdale Playgrounds for hosting our National Manufacturing Day site tours.

"Here at Cumbria Business Growth Hub we are immensely proud of Cumbria’s thriving manufacturing sector and it was great to be able to showcase just a few of them.”

Barry Leahey, President of Playdale Playgrounds was delighted to have various representatives from differing sectors across Cumbria visit their premises.

He said: "I am proud of the Playdale Team, whose hard work and dedication not only help us excel but also inspire others in the industry. By showcasing our commitment, we aim to drive the growth of UK manufacturing and make a positive impact.”

Ed Surman, Site Director at James Walker & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to host this visit and showcase the skills and knowledge within the James Walker Cockermouth business, from where we supply technically advanced elastomer products for critical sealing applications across the globe.”