Freudenberg invests in R&D at Port Talbot
Published: 14 October, 2014
The new Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies facility, Port Talbot, Wales, was opened recently by Edwina Hart, Minister of Economy, Science and Transport, and Dr. Mohsen Sohi, speaker of the management board, Freudenberg.
The company will invest £11m in the Port Talbot operation over the next few years, consolidating the three original Vector Technology Group sites in Wales into one which occupies 116,000ft2.
Freudenberg acquired Vector last year. According to the company, there will be greater operational efficiencies, a significant investment in new CNC machining capabilities, and additional testing and R&D capabilities.
The Welsh Government has contributed a £3million business financing grant, for the project which retains the operations in the area, and creates an additional 60 positions.
The Minister said, “Freudenberg’s facility in Port Talbot is very impressive and is testament to the company’s commitment to, and investment in, the area and the workforce’s skills and dedication. I am delighted Welsh Government support has enabled the company to develop the facility and increase the workforce to nearly 300 employees. It is a signal of the company’s long term commitment to Port Talbot and its faith in Wales as a great place to do business.”
Dr. Mohsen Sohi recognised the commitment of the local workforce that made investment in the Port Talbot area so attractive: “The Vector business was established under a commitment to quality, excellence, and innovation – traditions long honoured by Freudenberg. . . By reinvesting in a location with such an established culture of manufacturing and innovation the company shows our plans for the future growth of this business.”
The Vector Product line of Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies is single source supplier of high integrity sealing solutions for offshore platforms, FPSOs, flowlines and subsea installations.
