Tissue paper manufacturer WEPA UK has announced plans which, if approved, would represent a significant investment in their paper mill in Llangynwyd, near Bridgend.
WEPA UK, a subsidiary of the WEPA Group based in Arnsberg Germany, produce hygiene paper products for the consumer retail sector, including toilet paper and kitchen rolls.
The proposals include replacing an older tissue paper machine with a newer machine that is more sustainable. These upgrades will be important to secure the future success of the site, safeguard around 345 jobs and will generate significant inward investment into the Bridgend Paper Mill.
The Bridgend Paper Mill was originally built in 1950 with WEPA acquiring full ownership of the site in July 2018. WEPA is now considering investing in new technical equipment which would ensure that Bridgend remains at the global forefront of the paper industry for years to come. WEPA is committed to using the Best Available Technology (BAT) within the industry and making sure that the Bridgend Paper Mill operates in a way that is sustainable.
Commenting on the plans, Mill Manager Jordi Goma-Camps Trave from WEPA UK said:
“These upgrades to the Bridgend Paper Mill will help to secure its future success and safeguard the around 345 jobs on site. We’re sharing our plans with local communities and welcome conversations with them and other stakeholders.
“If approved, these proposals would deliver significant benefits for the local area, including a substantial inward investment. They would also involve replacing an old tissue paper machine with one that is more sustainable and will consume less energy.
“We look forward to hearing the views of the local community and will be submitting a planning application Bridgend County Borough Council in the coming weeks.”
Recognising the Christmas period WEPA UK is inviting feedback up until 13 January 2025 which they will consider before submitting a planning application to Bridgend County Borough Council early next year.
As per the requirements of the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, WEPA UK triggered the statutory pre-application consultation period on 4 December.
In addition to the statutory consultation, WEPA UK will be holding an information event for local residents to view and comment on the plans and for WEPA UK to answer any questions.
The event will be held:
On: Wednesday 18th December At: Coytrahen Community Centre Between: 3:30-7pm
Local residents will also be able to contact the project team through a freephone line on 0800 148 8911 or email address at info@bridgendpapermill.co.uk. They can also find out more and view the draft planning application documents via a dedicated website page, available here: https://www.wepa.eu/bridgend-paper-mill.
