UKIP MEP, Mike Nattrass, stopped off in Stourbridge to visit a Wordsley firm continuing the area’s glassmaking heritage.

The West Midlands MEP, who is a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee, visited Okra Glass, in Queen Street, to celebrate the company’s success in the face of a deep economic recession.

Maddy Westrop, UKIP’s Westminster hopeful for Stourbridge, also attended the visit to gain an insight into the processes involved in artisan glass.

During the visit, Mr Nattrass said: “This is an industry that has got to be kept going otherwise we will lose all of those glassmaking skills.

“The company deserve praise for ensuring Stourbridge continues to be at the forefront of glassmaking. Stourbridge is the birthplace of glassmaking and Okra is continuing that proud tradition.

“I was fascinated to see the painstaking and meticulous manufacturing process and I thank the Okra team [Richard Golding, Karinna Sellars and Dean Hopkins] for making me so welcome.”

Ms Westrop said: “I was really impressed at what a good business model Okra Glass has.

“Okra is a small, agile and innovative company that has built its own capital equipment without taking on debt. They recycle most of their glass waste.

“We have got to get young people involved in the industry or it will die out. Training is key.

“We have got to keep the glass collection at Broadfield House as an inspiration and resource for future generations.”

Mr Hopkins said: “We export our products all over the world and we have got collectors of our goods all over the world. The market is very healthy in Dubai.

“Our glassware looks totally different to anything else and we have just started to do jewellery. We have been here for 30 years and we will be here for another 30 years.

“We have just secured a contract [worth around £75,000] to produce 200 perfume bottles for a firm in Dubai. It was great to meet Mike and we all really enjoyed the visit.”