EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), a global leader in stored energy solutions, welcomed leadership from Newport City Council to its Stephenson Street facility yesterday, highlighting more than six decades of job creation, advanced manufacturing, and investment in South Wales. Leader of Newport City Council, Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, was joined by Chief Executive, Beverly Owen, and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Business Growth, Cllr James Clarke, for a tour of the site, which has had a long-term impact on the local economy since opening in 1961.
During the visit, the council delegation met with the senior team at EnerSys’ Newport facility to discuss contributions to local employment, workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and global export growth. They were given an overview of daily operations at the site, which employs more than 450 people and has capacity to produce one million battery blocks per year.
As part of a behind-the-scenes tour, the council leaders observed the production process and gained an insight into the pioneering technology behind EnerSys batteries, which can be found in data centres, telecommunications infrastructure, transportation networks, aircraft and vehicles, including commercial vehicles, rail systems, and aerospace applications worldwide. The council delegation also met local engineers, technicians, apprentices and newly qualified specialists including Dillon Lopes and Cole Jacobs who have both recently completed a four-year apprenticeship in electrical engineering.
Highlighting the site’s rich heritage and its impact on generations of local families, the council leaders heard about employees such as James Coldrick, Sales Director, Industrial Market EMEA, who joined EnerSys 17 years ago, following in the footsteps of both his parents and his grandmother. EnerSys continues to attract many loyal employees and is preparing to recognise those who are approaching milestone anniversaries with special awards for people like Dave Hockney, a senior manufacturing engineer with 47 years of service, and Paul Herbert, an engineering manager who has completed 35 years with the company.
Speaking on his visit to EnerSys, Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, Leader of Newport City Council, said: “It’s inspiring to see advanced manufacturing thriving in Newport. EnerSys is not only a key employer but a vital contributor to our city’s economic future – investing in people, skills and long-term innovation.”
Tim Gibbons, Plant Manager at EnerSys Newport, said: “As one of the region’s largest employers, we remain committed to supporting Newport City Council’s plans for economic growth. It was a pleasure to welcome council leaders to our Newport facility – the visit provided an opportunity to showcase our engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities, as well as highlighting our contribution to the local economy and global exports. Maintaining a strong workforce is critical to our continued success and we aim to keep on providing exciting opportunities for local people and investing in training the next generation of talented engineers and technicians.”
EnerSys maintains a strong presence in the local community, providing sponsorship for Newport Cricket Club, as well as support for Newport Wetlands Reserve. This visit will strengthen its partnership with Newport City Council to promote further collaboration for local economic growth and sustainability.