The Diplomat
Gestamp’s CEO, Francisco J. Riberas Mera, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire, Commander level.
The distinction as Honorary Commander was awarded by Queen Elizabeth II and was presented to him last Tuesday by the British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, at a ceremony held at his residence in Madrid.
Francisco J. Riberas expressed his gratitude for the award and underlined the strength of the ties between Spain and the United Kingdom and stressed that his company works hand in hand with Gestamp UK with the commitment to overcome common challenges.
The UK awards Orders and Medals to those who do outstanding work for the country or British Society. The Commander level is the highest rank of this order founded by King George V, for those who do not hold British nationality and is the second highest level of the Order of the British Empire. In this case, the title of Honorary Commander is awarded to those individuals who play a notable role at national level, an outstanding leading role in regional affairs through achievements or services to the community, or a very outstanding innovative contribution in their area of activity.
The award to Francisco J. Riberas rewards his services to the automotive industry in the UK, which is the UK’s leading exporter.
Gestamp began operations in the UK in 2012 and currently employs around 2,000 people at its three sites: Newton Aycliffe, near Newcastle, is the largest of the production plants with around 1200 workers, which also has an R&D centre, one of 13 that Gestamp has worldwide. The plants in the West Midlands, near Wolverhampton, and Llanelli in Wales complete the Company’s operations in the UK. During this time, Gestamp UK has become the leading Tier 1 automotive company in the UK
