Family firm helps to celebrate green jobs

A LLANELLI-BASED firm was part of a project featured in an online presentation to Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Mr Drakeford joined university bio research and technology experts and innovative industry representatives in a virtual event to celebrate a decade of investing in green jobs.

The event celebrated 10 years of the BEACON project, which promotes collaboration to grow the economy and create green jobs.

Since its launch in 2010, the £30+ million Eu-funded BEACON project has built up a strong skill base in the bio business sector by providing R&D support for green Welsh businesses and positioning Wales as a leader in world-class research and innovation into the low carbon economy.

It has been developing products and services which are sustainable in helping Wales to meet international targets for tackling climate change and recycling.

Collaborating businesses include Hendy-based Axium Process Ltd, a family-owned firm which specialises in the design and manufacture of membrane filtration systems and other liquid processing equipment for the food/ dairy, pharmaceutical and water recycling industries.

Axium has built a variety of pilot-scale process rigs specifically designed for the requirements of the business-focused biorefining activities at BEACON sites across Wales.

Mr Drakeford said: “I’m pleased that we were able to support the extension of the BEACON+ project in Wales for another two years. This will enable even more businesses to innovate with the help of specialists and capitalise on the bio economy. This will help Wales to build our own expertise in this area.

“BEACON and BEACON+’S research into renewables and sustainable technologies, together with their collaborations with businesses, are an essential part of the sustainable framework of Wales.”

BEACON is a collaboration led by Aberystwyth University, working with Bangor and Swansea Universities and the University of South Wales.