Wernick’s new factory opens for business

Wernick Buildings’ new factory at Kenfig Industrial Estate in Wales has been officially opened by the country’s first minister, Carwyn Jones.

The company has been producing modular and portable buildings for more than 25 years.

But when the site at Kenfig was purchased it had been derelict for six years, and required £3 million (€4.2 million) of development.

This included installing gantries inside the factory building, refurbishing the existing offices and installation of nearly 300 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the factory, which will generate 75 kwh.

The development cost also included the first building to be manufactured at Kenfig; a 630 sq m office building at the front of the factory, which took only eight weeks to make and install. The Kenfig factory will ultimately produce twice as much output as Wernick’s previous manufacturing base.

Chairman David Wernick, who aims to double the company’s turnover in the next three years, said: “Within the first four weeks of operation at Kenfig, eight additional jobs have already been created and it is hoped that a further 40 to 50 jobs will follow in the next few years.

“Our policy of taking on new young apprentices in the factory will also continue and grow.”