Welsh Government attracts INEOS Automotive to Bridgend
Bridgend’s reputation as a hub of automotive expertise has been rewarded with Welsh Government support, successfully attracting INEOS Automotive who will now construct a new bespoke 250,000 sq foot manufacturing and assembly plant at Bridgend’s Brocastle Business Park for the production of their brand new 4×4 Grenadier vehicle.
The new Grenadier is in itself an exciting prospect set to disrupt the 4 x 4 market – while the actual build remains under wraps for now, INEOS are promising a durable British made market leader with a ladder chassis, permanent four-wheel drive, beam axles and class-leading towing and payload capacity, with power and torque to match.
The new plant will be built in a new business area, adjacent to the established Bridgend Industrial Estate, and the area will have capacity to accommodate a further 500,000 sq ft and the potential for many more jobs for expanding companies and other new investors into Wales.
INEOS Automotive is purchasing 14 acres of land from the Welsh Government at market value and with development of the site infrastructure already underway, production of the new vehicle is projected to start as early as 2021.
Announcing the news yesterday, INEOS Group Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe said:
“We have looked long and hard at possible manufacturing locations for Grenadier across the world with lots of good options to choose from. The decision to build in the UK is a significant expression of confidence in British manufacturing, which has always been at the heart of what INEOS stands for.”
Welsh Government Economy Minister, Ken Skates, said:
“This is a huge vote of confidence in the workforce and economy of Wales at an incredibly challenging time.
“Not only is this good news for Bridgend – and I am sure the first of many exciting announcements for the area – but it also proves that Wales remains an attractive place to invest despite ongoing Brexit uncertainty.
“Our work to support Bridgend in the wake of Ford’s proposals will not stop here and we will continue to do all we can to attract new business opportunities, to support Ford workers and to ensure an exciting future for the town.
“I am delighted to welcome INEOS Automotive to Wales and delighted that they are the latest in a line of prestigious companies to sign up to our Economic Contract, designed to drive growth and responsible business behaviours in companies. The health and wellbeing of workers is already an important part of INEOS’ ethos and this is evidenced in the Economic Contract.
“I look forward to seeing the site develop ready to begin production in 2021.”
Bridgend Council Leader, Cllr Huw David, added:
“This demonstrates major confidence in Bridgend as a place which nurtures and encourages business at all levels.
“I welcome the news that it will potentially create up to 500 new jobs for the area, and I hope that further companies will follow Ineos Automotive’s example and take advantage of what we can offer.
“Bridgend County Borough remains an excellent place to invest and do business in. Situated mid-way between Cardiff and Swansea, we have a highly skilled local workforce and enjoy efficient communication links with easy access to three junctions of the M4, the Swansea-to-London high-speed rail network and Cardiff International Airport.
“Together with Welsh Government, the council can deliver a range of funding and start-up support, and the Bridgend Business Forum offers strong networking opportunities.
“I’m personally very grateful to the Minister, Welsh Government and the taskforce for their ongoing support, and I am looking forward to seeing announcements about further investment.”
There will be capacity for the business and the employment to grow within the new building and on adjacent areas of the Brocastle Business Park.
INEOS Automotive are already in talks with 2 Wales-based component supply companies to support their work which could provide a further boost to the Welsh economy.
