A FACTORY that will safeguard 140 jobs has started construction today in Oakdale. 

The 18,000 square metre development will be built on a 25 acre site in Oakdale Business Park with support from the Welsh Government.

The investment comes from IG Doors, of the Hormann Group, which supplies the house building industry with composite door sets in both steel and reinforced polymer.

With their Cwmbran branch set to reach full capacity, the company decided to invest in a new site in Wales with £1 million business finance support from the Welsh Government.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart was “delighted” with the Welsh Government’s support of the development.

She said: “It will safeguard and create jobs as the company plans steady sustainable growth over the next five years and open up new employment and training opportunities for local people which is excellent news.”

Managing Director of IG Doors, Mark Pulman was also delighted at the project and the “significant investment” from the Hormann Group.

He said: “This factory will benefit from the introduction of the most technologically advanced machinery and production equipment on the market and will enable us to develop truly skilled jobs in the region.

"Over the coming months and years we will see the Oakdale site transform significantly as our business continues to develop and we look forward to many years of success ahead.”

The new facility will be fully automated, increasing efficiencies, reducing power and maintenance costs while increasing capacity.

With its policy of “local procurement” it will also create and support jobs during the construction period as well as in local supply chain.

The Hormann group, based in Steinhagen, Germany, is Europe’s leading provider of construction products and has 35 manufacturing plants worldwide and 80 distribution outlets across more than 30 countries.

The group acquired IG Doors in 2013 to strengthen its presence in the UK and has produced and delivered more than 15 million doors worldwide since its foundation in 1935.

Mr Pulman added: “It is a significant commitment from our owners and shows the confidence they have in the market here in the UK, and the belief they have in our workforce to deliver great products consistently to the highest standards.

“This is a major long development for the region and one we are very excited to be a part of.”