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Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies is investing £11m consolidating its three sites in Baglan into one consolidated manufacturing centre, which with Welsh Government support is creating 60 jobs 

The investment, backed by £3million business finance from the Welsh Government, will also safeguard around 90 direct jobs and secure the long term sustainable future of the business in Wales. It will see employment rise from 237 to 297.

The company, part of the technology group Freudenberg, designs, develops and manufactures high integrity sealing solutions for the oil and gas industry globally.

The investment has been welcomed by Economy Minister Edwina Hart. She said:

”This is a major investment by the globally active German family-owned Freudenberg Group that will not only create 60 highly skilled, well paid jobs but it will also safeguard 90 others and ensure the long term sustainability of their operation in Wales. The company makes a major contribution to the economy, exporting products that are developed here in Wales, across the world. This investment illustrates the company’s commitment to Wales and I am pleased the WG is able to support this expansion.”

The expansion and investment project will result in Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies moving from three separate sites on Baglan Industrial Estate to the former Panasonic factory also on Baglan Industrial Estate where it will occupy 116,000 sq. ft.

Richard T. Schmidt, President and CEO of Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies said:

“The investment in Wales will enable the business to grow, remain competitive and become more efficient. The investment is testament to the company’s long-term commitment to Wales while funding from the Welsh Government was extremely important highlighting its continued support and enabling this investment to go ahead.”

The new location will contain new office accommodation as well as R&D facilities with additional investment in new CNC machinery and R&D equipment. The move should be completed by August this year.
The Welsh manufacturing base, which employs 237 people locally, is the largest within Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies. The Company has 22 locations in 9 countries serving the global oil and gas industry.

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