Morgan Looks Back on Its Best Year Ever, and Forward to 2018 (www.worcesternews.co.uk)

MALVERN’S iconic Morgan sports car company enjoyed its best year yet in 2017, the firm revealed this week.

The company’s work force grew from 170 staff members in 2016 to a current level of 201. This number includes six apprentices, and the firm is looking to recruit more next year.

The Morgan factory brings 30,000 visitors per year into the area to go on factory tours or join Morgan experiences. These visitors travel from around the UK and all over the world to see the factory.

The Run for the Hills event at the Three Counties Show Ground in August saw 6,000 visitors and 2,000 Morgans from 30 different countries visit the town, and the company hopes this year’s event will be just as successful.

A spokesman said: “Whilst we have not confirmed profits for the 2017 financial year yet, we can confirm that it will have been our best year yet.

“Whilst we do not have an official stance as a company on Brexit, Morgan have continued to grow exports throughout 2017. This is partly due to the weak pound, but also to the hard work of the factory and dealership network in continuing to build awareness for the brand around the globe, particularly in Europe.”

2017 also saw Morgan buy back its factory site, which was originally sold off in 2006 as a sale and lease-back agreement.

“The repurchasing of the land in June was the most positive news for Morgan in an already positive 2017. The purchasing allows Morgan to improve the facility and equip it for 21st century coach building.

“It also signals Morgan’s intent to continue manufacturing in Malvern, on the site that they have been on for 103 years,” said the spokesman.

Among the highlights the company is looking forward to in 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the Plus 8, the release of the limited edition Aero GT at the Geneva Motor Show and the introduction of the EV3, Morgan’s first all-electric production vehicle.

Morgan staff also raised over £30,000 for the British Heart Foundation, the company’s charity of the year, by holding auctions, running marathons and other fundraising initiatives.