South Wales engineering company opens new Port Talbot site

A South Wales company is investing in the future of steel fabrication in Port Talbot, creating new jobs for skilled people.

Braithwaite Engineers is a long established company with a heritage dating back to the 1880’s.

Historically the company was a pioneer in heavy engineering, building railways, bridges, piers and steel framed buildings worldwide, including in India, where Braithwaite built much of the railway network and rolling stock.

The company has produced sectional water storage tanks since the 1920’s at its Neptune Works in Newport, which continue to be used in the UK and exported internationally.

The company which was taken over by Rowecord Holdings in 1987 is now returning to its engineering roots by establishing a structural steelwork fabrication facility at a site in Baglan, Port Talbot.

Managing Director Ian Hoppé said “We are looking to the future and investing in Port Talbot.

“We have taken on exceedingly experienced management and a core team of six highly skilled fabricators and welders and will build on this over the next few months. The jobs created have all been taken up by people local to the area and we expect to increase the number of fabricators and welders to 20 with additional management support staff.”

“The 25,000 square foot factory, three and half acre secure yard and  crane capacity to single lift 30tonne units gives us a workshop with exceptional versatility.”

“State of the art equipment currently being commissioned includes a new Ficep Gemini, a computer-controlled profiling machine which can cut, drill and scribe steel plates up to 16m long. This with other fabrication equipment gives us the capability to fabricate structural steel components up to 45m in length.”

“There is much uncertainty around at the moment but we are passionate about keeping skilled and quality engineering alive in South Wales and determined to drive the business forward” he added.

Braithwaite is currently working on a project for Associated British Ports but is in the market for other projects.

Welcoming the development Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Ali Thomas OBE said: “At a time of concern about the future of the steel industry in Port Talbot it is encouraging to see a firm with the heritage of Braithwaite investing in the future of the company and the town.

“The firm has already created skilled and well-paid jobs and there will be more to follow.

“It demonstrates that Neath Port Talbot is the place to do business, with a skilled and adaptable workforce available. We wish the company well for the future.”

Caption: Pictured with the Leader of Council are: (L-R) Colin Kavanagh, Divisional Director and Ian Hoppé, Managing Director, Braithwaite Engineers