Increasing European demand sees £1.8m investment for Welsh packaging group

Gwalia Packaging Group, a South Wales-based closure and container manufacturer, has announced a new capital expenditure programme worth £1.8M, which will see the group acquire eleven new all-electric injection and blow moulding lines.

The new capital equipment, which Gwalia says will be delivered and commissioned during the early part of next year, will create a seven day, 24-hour working system at the company’s Pontypridd plant. This investment is a result of large increases in demand for the group's products across most of continental Europe.

Gwalia consists of two operating companies, Dragon Plastics Ltd, closure manufacturers; and Gwalia Plastics, which make injection and extrusion blow moulded containers. The group also includes its own tool making and general engineering division.

“Our new injection, blow moulding and ancillary equipment will increase our capacity and at the same time reduce our energy costs. High quality packaging is in increasing demand throughout Europe and I’m pleased we’re able to invest to meet that demand,” commented Rod Parker, Gwalia’s Managing Director.

The new plant and equipment will be financed by the group’s own resources and will be fully on stream by the end of Q2 2014.