Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Explores Xtrac's Role In Automotive Advancements

Automotive and motorsport transmission specialist, Xtrac, recently had the honour of hosting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at its Thatcham headquarters. The visit underscored the company's pivotal role in the automotive sector, particularly in the design and manufacturing of advanced gearboxes for motorsports and high-performance road cars. With approximately 70% of its manufacturing output being exported globally, Xtrac stands as a beacon of industrial success in West Berkshire.

The Prime Minister's tour included insights into Xtrac's acclaimed apprenticeship schemes and its significant contributions towards the automotive industry's shift to decarbonised electric propulsion. Since the 1990s, Xtrac has nurtured over 180 apprentices, a testament to its commitment to fostering the next generation of engineering talent. The establishment of the Xtrac Academy further highlights the company's dedication to advanced manufacturing apprenticeships.

Amidst its business expansion, Xtrac has enhanced its capacity and modernised its facilities both in the UK and the US. The company's apprenticeship programme has not gone unnoticed, earning prestigious accolades such as the Queen's Award for Enterprise and the Princess Royal Training Award. Furthermore, Xtrac extends its educational outreach through undergraduate schemes and work experience placements for students.

Xtrac's influence extends deeply into the motorsport industry, supplying top-tier professional race teams with superior transmission and driveline products. The company also plays a crucial role in the high-performance automotive sector, providing hypercar makers with advanced transmission and mechatronic systems. In a significant development for 2023, MiddleGround Capital acquired a majority shareholding in Xtrac, marking a new chapter for the company. This private equity firm is known for its strategic investments in middle-market industrial and specialist distribution companies.

The Prime Minister's visit to Xtrac not only highlights the company's enduring contributions to the automotive industry but also underscores its unwavering commitment to nurturing engineering excellence through comprehensive training programmes. As Xtrac continues to innovate and expand, its role in shaping the future of automotive technology remains firmly established.