“PRINCE Charles coming here is nice because we didn’t get any help from the Government. “It’s nice to see someone cares.”

John Williams takes a sip of water, reflecting on his time at SSI UK’s Redcar steelworks.

The 36-year-old, of Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, has more reason than most to remember the plant’s sudden end.

He was the last person to press the button on the casting ladle, which made the final piece of steel.

His story, however, is one that offers hope.

Just a week after being made redundant, he started work at expanding Redcar car parts maker, ElringKlinger (GB), as a service hand, driving a fork-lift truck.

He’s now switched to the role of quality technician, ensuring Klinger’s gaskets and heatshields meet the required standards.

Looking back on his time in the steel sector, he told The Northern Echo: “We knew there were rumblings at SSI, but nobody was saying anything.

“I did a day then got a text to say don’t come in tomorrow, and then another later to say come and clear your locker.

“I just felt lost; that place was the best four years of my life and I’ve got a wife and 15-year-old son.

“Working for SSI was good, but you knew it was always struggling.

“Now I’m at a company that is booming.”

Such a description for Klinger is perfectly apt.

Late last year, The Northern Echo reported how the manufacturer had secured a £19.5m deal to supply Ford with complex gaskets, beating US and European rivals for the contract.

Yesterday, (Wednesday, February 17) Prince Charles, who arrived in Redcar aboard the Royal train, the Queen’s Messenger, saw the company’s accomplishments for himself, touring its Kirkleatham Business Park site with manager director, Ian Malcolm.

As machines whirred and banged, the Prince of Wales spoke to workers and met apprentices, before addressing staff to compliment their efforts, with his warm words helping raise a chuckle.

For a man who forgot the date when signing the visitors’ book at Redcar’s Leisure and Community Heart complex earlier in the day, Klinger’s success seemed to leave a lasting impression.

He said: “I’m so impressed by the efficiency of the whole operation.

“It’s also so encouraging to discover the company is doing such good business that it needs more and more people to work here.

“Give my best wishes to the night shift.”

Mr Malcolm, who has overseen Klinger’s growth, which includes a factory extension to meet higher demand, said Prince Charles’ visit was apt recognition for its achievements.

He said: “Having someone of his stature and importance – he is listened to as a member of the Royal Family – and being able to demonstrate how we are a good news story in this region was an incredible honour.

“We will remember his visit for years to come.”

Mr Malcolm said the business’ success, which has seen it go from 80 staff in 2009 to 280 people, means it is primed to keep growing.

He added: “We are very proud of our team; the bulk of the people here are local and we have revamped our apprenticeship programme.

“We are putting something back, and, as our staff numbers continue to rise, growth over the next five years is forecast to double the size of the business.”

The Prince also visited Redcar’s Joint Cadet Facility, where he met young cadets from the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps, and travelled to Kirkleatham Museum, near Redcar, for a BITC Business Connectors event.

BITC is the Prince’s responsible business network, with members working together to tackle issues they believe are essential to building a fairer society.