Paul James and Jonathan Phillips of Gestamp Tallent A CAR parts manufacturer is investing in a new academy which will include a wellbeing space for staff and focus on upskilling workers as well their future apprentices. Gestamp has invested in the Tallent Academy, a 4,300 sq ft facility which sits adjacent to its factory in Newton Aycliffe. The firm – which makes chassis and body components for most main vehicle manufacturers – will include in the academy research and development capabilities, robot cells, specialist welding bays, tooling facilities, a medical area, physiotherapy suites, counselling rooms and an ‘R&R’ wellbeing zone. Gestamp says it will open up the new development to support groups, while other businesses will also be able to use the facility to train up their staff.