Mid-East packaging firm sets up shop in Wrexham
ADubai-based packaging company is to set up a manufacturing and warehousing plant in north Wales with the creation of 250 jobs.
Hotpack Packaging Industries has been looking for a suitable location to manufacture in Europe after 22 years of growth in the Middle East.
The company’s decision to locate to north Wales follows months of discussions with the Welsh Government and a £1.5m loan provided through the Development Bank.
The loan is the first in north Wales to come from the Welsh Government’s £100m Wales Flexible Investment Fund.
Hotpack has completed on the purchase of property and land at the Llay Industrial Estate in Wrexham and plans to create 250 manufacturing and warehouse jobs on the site over the next three to five years.
The company’s location in north Wales is expected to bring £50m of inward investment to the region.
Wales faced stiff competition from Slovakia and other European countries in attracting Hotpack and the company praised the support it received from the Welsh Government and the Development Bank, which helped it to select Wales as a base.
Hotpack Packaging global managing director Abdul Jebbar said: “From our very first visit to the region, the people of Wales and in particular Wrexham offered us an exceptional level of support, both personally and commercially.
“We were particularly impressed too by the assistance of Economy Secretary Ken Skates and Rural Affairs Secretary Lesley Griffiths, other local politicians and Wrexham Council.
“The Welsh Government’s business support team have worked closely with us throughout our fact- finding visits. Having now completed on the site purchase, we have already commenced the site factory and development and we took forward to a long and mutually prosperous relationship with the people and businesses of Wales.”
Rhodri Evans, north Wales regional manager of the Development Bank of Wales, said: “It is great news the first company in north Wales to benefit from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund is one with the potential of major job growth in the area.
“Working with Welsh Government, we have been able to provide the finance to help attract an expanding business to Wales and choose Wrexham as the location for its first UK base.”
Hotpack will be sharing the site with Sharp, who are already located there.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates added: “With a business plan that expects to deliver 250 jobs over the next three years, I am confident that Hotpack’s move here will bring genuine benefits to the local economy and community, and I look forward to visiting when the new facility is up and running.
“This is an example of exactly what can be achieved when businesses are given access to the right advice and support. Last month I was pleased to launch the Development Bank of Wales, which will provide us with a competitive edge over the rest of the UK.
“I am confident this will ensure we enjoy even more success in boosting job opportunities in communities right across Wales.”