THE TIVERTON MP's tractor-driving experience came in handy when he was put behind the wheel of a unique vehicle.

Neil Parish visited Mid Devon company Loglogic and tried his hand at driving their Softrack vehicle.

He drove the multi-purpose 120 horsepower turbo diesel engine all-terrain rubber track vehicle around the Cullompton firm’s despatch yard and before reversing it back into its parking slot.

Mr Parish also saw equipment being manufactured for customers in countries across the world, including Germany, Belarus, Holland, and Scotland.

He heard from Loglogic managing director Marcus Frankpitt how the company’s export orders have been growing year by year.

Mr Frankpitt also explained the difficulty faced by the business in finding adequate engineering training for staff and how it impacted on the firm’s ability to employ apprentices.

Mr Parish said: “I was very impressed to see an expanding business here in Mid Devon with products which are recognised all over the world as the best on the market.

“I have offered to help Loglogic meet the challenge of growing their export order book and I will also write to the Employment Minister about the apprenticeship and training issues.”

Softrak systems are used in places such as the Somerset Levels and Norfolk Broads in the UK, and abroad in countries such as Russia, Germany, Denmark, and America, where more than half of its wetlands have been destroyed in the past two centuries.

Mr Frankpitt said: “We were delighted to host Neil Parish and learn more about how the Government is helping businesses in an effort to meet its target of doubling UK exports by 2020.”

For more information visit www.loglogic.co.uk.