Broad and Finn, who fly to Australia at the end of October with the rest of the England cricket team in their bid to retain the Ashes, were given the opportunity to take a tour of the factory as part of an event organized by team partner Jaguar. During their visit the cricketers took time out to meet factory workers, pose for photography and sign autographs as they toured the assembly line at the plant.
England fast bowler, Stuart Broad, commented:
"It was a real privilege to visit the Castle Bromwich plant today to see how Jaguar's are made. It's a huge facility. As soon as you walk in the doors of the factory you really get a real understanding of the care and attention that goes into building every single model."
21 year old Steven Finn, added:
"Walking around the plant you really get a sense of the rich history of Jaguar. I had no idea Spitfires and Lancasters were manufactured here during the war. The day was really interesting and I particularly enjoyed meeting the staff on the tour. They're obviously passionate about the cars they make and they're also very passionate about English cricket. It was a real boost for me and Broady that so many of them wished us good luck against the Aussies."
Geoff Cousins, Managing Director Jaguar UK, said:
"Steven (Finn) and Stuart (Broad) drive XK models every day so it was great for us to show them the effort and expertise that goes into making each car. It was a boost for the employees to meet them both and I wish the entire England cricket team the best of luck at the Ashes."
Earlier this year Jaguar became the Official Vehicle Supplier of the England Cricket Team. The four year partnership sees England's centrally contracted cricketers drive Jaguar's XJ, XF and XF models. Jaguar has also formed a strategic partnership with the ECB's National Performance Centre. The partnership forms part of the "Jaguar Academy of Sport" which aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success.
For further information, please contact:
Tara Narain ‑ brandRapport
e: tnarain@brand‑rapport.com
t: 0207 932 5830
Nick O'Donnell ‑ Jaguar UK
e: nodonne2@jaguar.com
t: 01926 649897
Notes to Editors
1. The Jaguar Academy of Sport, launched in March 2010, aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success. It will fulfill this aim through a Bursary Fund which will support new British sporting talent, a prestigious annual Awards Ceremony, and a unique club of the best of British sport which will be used to inspire the next generation. For more information visit www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk
2. Castle Bromwich manufacturers the current range of Jaguar cars; the XK, XF and all‑new XJ.