Specialist packaging firm Essentra, whose clients include pharmaceutical firms, is creating a further 170 jobs at its flagship facility in Newport, South Wales.
The additional employment follows the announcement in November last year that Essentra was investing in a second facility in Newport, with the initial creation of 70 jobs.
In common with the previous investment, this latest project is also being supported by the Welsh Government.
Essentra is a key member of the life sciences sector in Wales and provides specialist secondary packaging and authentication solutions, with its targeted end-markets being the pharmaceutical, health and personal care and consumer goods sectors.
The news was announced by Economy Minister Edwina Hart ahead of the life sciences showcase event BioWales 2016, which starts today (1 March) in Cardiff having attracted more than 700 delegates, including 100 international visitors.
Overall, Essentra’s significant investment in an adjacent site in Newport will create a centre of excellence for the production of labels and foils, with additional capability for cartons manufacturing and an on-site structural and graphic design studio.
This investment is being supported by £400,000 from the Welsh Government and will bring the total headcount at its Newport campus to approximately 330.
The Minister said: 'This is excellent news and another significant investment by the company in world class manufacturing facilities at its Newport campus. Essentra is rapidly expanding its operations in Newport and I am delighted the Welsh Government is supporting their investment and the creation of jobs.
'Life sciences are one of our key economic sectors and take centre stage as the BioWales international conference and exhibition opens in Cardiff.
'We have seen significant growth and investment in the sector over the last five years, with jobs increasing by more than 5% annually during that period. Wales has a notable strength in the pharmaceuticals services sector which will be enhanced by this latest investment by Essentra.'
Hugh Ross, Managing Director, Essentra (Europe), said: 'Essentra’s multi-million pound investment in a second site entails a six-fold increase in our existing footprint in Newport, with our new facility being equipped with the latest technologies – including two new label machines, a carton production line, a block foiling machine and computer-to-print equipment – to deliver faster and more flexible production. With optimal manufacturing layout, centralised warehousing and a dedicated design studio, this investment thus reinforces Essentra’s commitment to creating centres of excellence from which to meet the exacting requirements of its international customer base.
Essentra’s multi-million pound investment in a second site entails a six-fold increase in our existing footprint in Newport
'We recognise that employees are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to ensuring that the company is a great place to work.
'With Newport playing a pivotal role in Essentra’s future growth, I look forward to welcoming our new team members, who are keen to share in our future success.'
Essentra has 29 packaging manufacturing sites worldwide and customers in more than 100 countries are served from facilities in ten countries, with development and design centres supporting the division worldwide.
The firm opened its initial site on Imperial Park, Newport, in 2014 into which it has consolidated a number of its smaller packaging manufacturing operations. That 52,000ft2 facility is equipped with the latest in digital printing and cleanroom facilities for the production of labels and primarily packaging foils for the healthcare and consumer goods end-markets. Last year it secured an adjacent 225ft2 facility where the latest expansion will be accommodated.