MPs from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Shooting and Conservation have visited the Holland and Holland factory to view the processes of gun making in the 21st century at the home of a globally recognised brand.
The visit, arranged with help from the UK’s largest shooting organisation the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), took place at the factory in Kensal Green, London.
The factory was built in 1898 and since then has been in continuous use. Today Holland and Holland combines modern technology with traditional craftsmanship to produce some of the most highly-regarded guns and rifles in the world.
The MPs were shown how each part of a Holland and Holland gun is made using both state-of-the-art technology and traditional gun-making methods. Depending on the model, the process of creating a Holland and Holland gun from design to completion can take from 650 to over 1250 man hours.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP chairman of All-Party Parliamentary Group said: “The aim of the visit to the Holland and Holland factory was to show MPs how gun-making has survived and adjusted over time. The Holland and Holland name is recognised around the world for its quality and expert craftsmanship and the members from the All-Party Group commented on the incredible and dedicated effort by those who are involved at every stage. I would like to extend my thanks to the Managing Director and his staff at Holland and Holland for making the visit such a success.”
The Managing Director of Holland and Holland, Daryl Greatrex said: “Holland and Holland are very pleased to host the All-party Parliamentary group for shooting and conservation and welcomed having this opportunity to demonstrate how our guns and rifles are made today, combining as they do, the best of traditional hand craftsmanship and modern engineering.”
MPs on a fact-finding visit to Holland and Holland