SPC – a leading international manufacturer of rubber compounds – is to open a new facility in the Rhondda Valley that is set to create up to 40 new jobs over the next two years. The Welsh Government is providing support to ensure the investment goes ahead in Wales.
The investment by SPC follows its acquisition of two rubber compound mixing production lines from Avon Engineered Rubber’s site in Maerdy. As part of its long-term strategy to invest in its colour-compounding capability, SPC moved one line to its manufacturing headquarters in Westbury, Wiltshire, and initially planned to move the second line to its facility in Barcelona.
In order to retain the asset in Wales and support the creation of new jobs, the Welsh Government is providing a £150,000 grant to back the large investment SPC is making to refurbish and fit out the Maerdy premises.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “This is a great outcome for all concerned. SPC is investing in existing and new equipment and Maerdy will have a new hi-tech rubber manufacturing plant with new jobs on the way. I am delighted to welcome SPC as a new inward investor and leading manufacturer to Wales.”
SPC, founded in 2001 by Stephen and Marilyn Hallas, is a rapidly growing, privately owned business and a recognised leading manufacturer of rubber compounds. Its world-class manufacturing principles combine investment in cutting-edge technology with unparalleled quality controls and complete batch traceability.
It specialises in technically demanding high quality products routinely used by market leaders in the aerospace, automotive and process industries and the energy sector.
SPC Operations Director, Paul Hallas, said: “The new compounding facility represents the latest phase of our expansion plans for the growing business. It will bring ultra-clean, colour compounding expertise into the SPC fold.
“The new plant will use the most modern advancements in state-of-the-art intermeshing technology, enabling us to offer the option of non-black rubber compounds and strained materials to both existing and new customers.
“And, with new regulatory measures coming into place, we predict this to be a future area of growth.”
The new Maerdy facility is expected to be up and running by early 2017.