Coventry and Warwickshire firms will be carrying the torch for the area’s engineering sector later this month.
A London 2012 Olympic torch, made by city firm Premier Group, will be used to promote the area’s expertise in advanced manufacturing at MIPIM – a major international investment and proprerty show.
Premier manufactured more than 11,000 torches for London 2012, which were carried throughout the 70-day relay in the lead up to the games.
The torch, perforated by 8,000 circles representing the 8,000 Torchbearers and their stories of personal achievement and contribution to their local community, will feature on the Coventry and Warwickshire stand at MIPIM and be used at a string of events during the three day show in France.
Denis Meagher, chair of Premier Group, said the torch was the perfect symbol to represent Coventry and Warwickshire.
“In many ways, Premier Group winning the contract to produce the torch summed up the engineering heritage and manufacturing ingenuity which has been in Coventry and Warwickshire for a long time,” he said.
“It involved new processes, tight deadlines and quite a bit of pressure, but we delivered what has become an iconic product. The company and all the individuals involved are right to be very proud of their contribution to what was in incredible few months.
“I am a proud Coventrian and if our torch can help the city and county at MIPIM, and I am more than happy to support it.”
Meagher handed the torch to Coventry City Council Leader Ann Lucas and Councillor Lynnette Kelly – Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment.
Councillor Kelly said: “MIPIM is very much about us showing investors and developers just what Coventry and Warwickshire is about and what opportunities there are in this area.
“While the torch became an iconic symbol for London 2012, it is also the same for Coventry and Warwickshire. The fact that Premier Group, founded and based here, was chosen as the manufacturer is a great source of pride – and something which will resonate with all the delegates at MIPIM.”
The presence at MIPIM is entirely funded by Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership made up of 18 companies, mostly involved in the property sector.