A Pontypool company, which manufactures and designs high quality ventilation products for the global market, has trained its staff to use the latest laser technology thanks to a training grant from Torfaen council.
Flamgard Calidair, which currently employs 53 people at its facility on the Pontnewynydd Industrial Estate, was able to train four members of staff to programme a Trumpf 4KW Laser Cutter using RADAN software
The new equipment allows the company, whose clients include Shell, Rolls Royce and Chevron, to speed up production by around 50% and means that the company can start to make long term plans to take on more staff.
Managing Director, Steve Edwards, said: “The training and support we have received from Torfaen council has been invaluable in allowing us to future-proof our production process. By continually developing our workforce to ensure that they are equipped to use the latest technology we can stay ahead of the game.
“It allows us to offer our staff secure jobs and hopefully to expand and take on more local people in the future.”
Through the Working Skills for Adults programme, which is part financed by the European Social Fund, Torfaen Council was able to arrange for a training provider to deliver the specialist training required.
Paul M Roberts, employer engagement officer with Torfaen council, said: “Flamgard Calidair is an extremely successful company but like all niche market businesses, they have to keep up-to-date with the latest technology.
“By helping them to do this we are safeguarding highly skilled, engineering jobs in Torfaen.
“I would urge any business in Torfaen which needs help or advice to access training to get in touch.”