A project in a former builders’ merchant in Rhyl is a win-win benefiting the town centre while creating jobs, bringing training opportunities and supporting affordable housing.
That was the message from Economy Minister Vaughan Gething as he visited the Creating Enterprise timber frame manufacturing unit being developed on the former Travis Perkins depot in the town.
It is supported with funding from the Welsh Government’s £6m Transforming Towns Coastal Communities Fund.
Managed by Creating Enterprise the new factory will manufacture modular build components for the new build housing sector. The project will create eight new jobs as well as providing support into employment for local unemployed people.
Creating Enterprise is a social enterprise, and commercial profits are invested into helping tenants and local people into employment.
A key feature is the organisation’s employment academy, supporting local people into paid employment opportunities as well as offering meaningful work experience and a chance to gain qualifications, boost confidence, enhance skills and widen social circles to reduce isolation.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “It’s been great to see this development in Rhyl. It’s an innovative idea which is providing job and skills opportunities, while helping boost the town centre and contribute towards the construction of affordable homes. I’m pleased the project led by Creating Enterprise has been supported by more than £297,000 from the Coastal Communities fund.
“This project is a win-win as it delivers benefits on many fronts. I look forward to seeing how it will progress.”
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Adrian Johnson, managing director – Commercial Services at Cartrefi Conwy, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Vaughan Gething to our new factory here in Rhyl, where we will be manufacturing bespoke timber materials for the housing sector.
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“This new venture is about fulfilling the ethos of Creating Enterprise by offering work placement opportunities to people who are currently unemployed and furthest from the job market.
“Eight new jobs will be created to begin with. Our aim is to get local people, including tenants of Cartrefi Conwy or Denbighshire County Council into full-time employment and upskilling to provide sustainable futures.
“This new business will also assist to meet Welsh Government’s ambitions to build net zero carbon homes that are efficient for our tenants to live in.”
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