WIREDGOV

Eurogrind, a tool manufacturing company based in Pontardawe, received funding through the ProAct scheme to upskill their staff.  ProAct, which is backed by the European Social Fund, was designed to help companies through the economic downturn by providing financial support to increase the skills levels of the workforce.

This funding provided a lifeline that enabled the company, which employs 28 people, to retain a greater number of employees through the recession.  The company also benefits from funding from the Workforce Development Programme to meet ongoing training needs.

During his visit, the First Minister presented 11 members of staff with certificates to mark the completion of their NVQs in Business Improvement Techniques.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:  

“The company is a great example of a business which has reorganised itself in order to respond to the recent challenging economic period and which has used the funding that we have provided to maximum benefit.  A company’s workforce is one of its greatest assets and by investing in their staff, the company is investing in its future so that they are in a better position to take advantage of new opportunities in the future.

“It was a pleasure to visit the company today to meet the staff, congratulate them on completing their NVQs and hear about their plans for the future.”

Paul Kilbride, Managing Director of Eurogrind, said:

“The ProAct scheme has given our staff a structured programme that has changed the working mindset of our employees.  With increased skill levels and an understanding of manufacturing philosophies that improve the organisation and workflow, the staff is now actively looking for everyday improvements throughout the business; something that is already reaping rewards.

“The major benefit of the Assembly Government support is that we have been able to maintain highly skilled local jobs throughout the recession as well as improve the skill base.  The funding has enabled us to maintain employment through a difficult period, something that would have otherwise had an impact on not only the employees but their families and the local community.”

Eurogrind is involved in the manufacture of tooling for machinery and supplies the automotive, aerospace and medical sectors and is a specialist supplier of Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) technology, mainly used in the aerospace sector.

The company has also recently taken over another nearby company, BAW Precision Engineering, which employs 29 staff and designs and manufactures production line machinery, jigs and fixturing.