Support from the Welsh Government is set to help create and
safeguard more than 60 jobs at a Torfaen car parts manufacturer,
helping it secure valuable new business with Jaguar Land Rover
(JLR).
ZF Automotive UK Ltd, which supplies parts to car brands
worldwide, will receive £432,000 in funding from the Welsh
Government's Economy Futures Fund.
This will allow Pontypool-based business, which mainly
manufactures brake callipers, to upgrade a production line for
the JLR contract.
An increased focus on productivity enhancements will see staff
develop new skills in manufacturing processes, with opportunities
for apprenticeships and graduates also created.
The funding will also help ZF Automotive replace its gas heating
system, which is over 50 years old, and improve energy efficiency
at its site. This will result in a significant reduction in
carbon emissions.
Steven McKenzie, Director of Operations at ZF Automotive UK Ltd
said:
“Our team in Pontypool is passionately working to
continually improve our manufacturing operations, to ensure
competitiveness in a challenging automotive sector.
“This funding will support our efforts to purchase
equipment and tooling to secure new business, in addition to
supporting our heating project to significantly improve our
energy efficiency.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning said:
“ZF Automotive is a well established and important employer for
Pontypool and the surrounding area with many long serving staff.
“The funding will help the business decarbonise and optimise its
operations, bringing highly sought after contracts with Jaguar
Land Rover to Wales and upskilling staff as a result.”
