PUPILS from four schools got a close-up view of the fastest car on Earth as a local company opened its new £4 million factory.

Youngsters from Wyedean School in Sedbury, Thornwell Primary in Chepstow and Inglefield House and Agincourt schools in Mon-

mouth saw Bloodhound when they visited Reid Lifting on the Newhouse Industrial Estate.

Reid Lifting specialises in manufacturing lightweight portable lifting equipment, and designed and made the gantry lifting system for work on all areas of the supersonic vehicle.

The increased factory capacity is enabling the firm to meet a growing demand for its products, which have been used to lift and move priceless artefacts at the Vatican, the Louvre and the British Museum.

On a tour of the factory, engineer Luke Rossiter, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) ambassador told pupils from Wyedean and the two Monmouth schools that Bloodhound can travel faster than a bullet.

The Welsh Government is providing £680,000 business finance towards the new factory facility, and the investment and expansion has already created 23 high quality jobs, bringing the headcount to 44.

Managing director Nick Battersby said:  “The investment in the facilities and the company’s future is already paying dividends with significantly increased capacity, shorter lead times and a highly motivated workforce.”

Reid Lifting has seen a 50 per cent growth in sales and turnover in the last few years with forecast growth of 25 per cent in the coming year.

Welsh Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “I am delighted the Welsh Government is supporting this important expansion project which has already created a significant number of new jobs locally.

Tim Battersby, Reid Lifting’s other STEM ambassador added: “We are very proud to be able to show off our premises to our international partners, suppliers and the local community.”

The Bloodhound’s 1,000mph world record bid is scheduled for next year in a South African desert, where it is set to cover a mile in just 3.6 seconds at full speed.