Neath PortTalbot Council buys ‘The Box’ site

THE site of the former Metal Box factory in Neath has been bought by the council which hopes to create new jobs there.

Known as ‘The Box’, the site became vacant last year after the previous occupier, the Crown packaging company, closed, leaving 245 members of staff out of work.

The company revealed plans to close the factory in October 2015 after more than 70 years at the site, and shut in June 2016.

A spokesman for Neath Port Talbot Council said it was located within an important employment zone in Neath, and had been marketed as a commercial opportunity.

He said the purchase of the property would give the council the opportunity to protect and retain a strategically important employment site in Neath. It is not yet clear what the site will be used for or how many jobs will be created.

Councillor Rob Jones, leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “This purchase signifies the council’s commitment to Neath and its communities to ensure there are opportunities for job creation close to the town centre. This acquisition will enable the council to work with local businesses to provide expansion and growth opportunities.”

A council spokesman added: “Purchasing the former Metal Box site will encourage inward investment and, with enough space to house a wide variety of businesses and enterprises, it will also enable local companies to expand and invest in accommodation not usually available within the county borough.”