Paper firm unveils new £2m machine at Caerphilly plant

A global company which manufactures metal-coated paper has unveiled a new £2 million press at its plant in Caerphilly town.

US firm Glatfelter said the new machine improves its process and will allow it to be more competitive in international markets.

The Welsh Government gave the company a grant of £500,000 towards the cost of the machine.

Martin Rapp, Senior Vice President with Glatfelter, said: “We appreciate the participation of the Welsh Government in partnering with us to enhance our ability to serve a growing metallised papers market.”

Outlining future opportunities for the Caerphilly business, Mr Rapp added: “Combining our research and technical capabilities with the improved efficiency provided by this investment will allow us to address a variety of opportunities and better serve our customers in the high-end bottle labelling and packaging markets.”

Economy Minister Edwina Hart visited the company at the Pontygwindy Industrial Estate for the new machine’s official unveiling on May 15.

She said: “I have been very impressed with the operation I have seen at Glatfelter’s facility today.

“I am delighted the Welsh Government is helping Glatfelter to grow its business by investing in 21st Century technology which will deliver higher levels of efficiency, productivity and superior quality control, significantly improved energy consumption and reduced maintenance costs.

“This will help the company to grow its business and continue its role as an important employer in the Caerphilly area.”

Glatfelter Caerphilly employs around 125 workers and produces metallised papers and films used in labels and packaging.

The products are highly engineered composites made of an ultra-thin layer of aluminium combined with special paper or film substrates.

Glatfelter has global annual sales of around $1.7 billion, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and employs around 1,700 staff at plants around the world including Germany, Canada and France.