A WESTHOUGHTON firm was praised by the Prime Minister yesterday.

Following a question in the House of Commons from Bolton West MP Chris Green, Theresa May commended Woodall Nicholson for its investment in skills and manufacturing.

Mr Green, who visited the Wigan Road-based company last month, said: “I recently visited Woodall Nicholson — a world-class coachbuilding manufacturer based in my constituency — and heard about their exciting plans for the future.

“Will my Right Honourable Friend join me in emphasising the importance of skills and manufacturing for our economy, especially as we look to leave the European Union?”

The Prime Minister responded by praising the firm as an example of how the country’s economy can develop successfully after Brexit.

Mrs May said: “Can I thank my Honourable Friend for drawing our attention to the example of Woodall Nicholson and to say how pleased we are to hear that they have those good plans for the future.

“And can I say to him he’s absolutely right as we leave the EU we will be doing that from a position of strength.

“He is right that skills and manufacturing are important parts of our economy for the future that’s why in the industrial strategy we are looking at how we can develop the excellence that we already have in the United Kingdom for a prosperous and growing economy for the future.”

Established in 1820, Woodall Nicholson is one of the oldest established coachbuilding companies in the UK and employs almost 250 people.

The company was acquired by private investors in 2013 and has since invested heavily in new products and infrastructure.