Huw Irranca-Davies MS joined staff of Siderise Maesteg to welcome First Minister Mark Drakeford on a visit where he unveiled a plaque marking the company’s ongoing investment in the local area and commitment to product testing and quality control.

The business moved to Maesteg in 1991 and continues to grow their presence in Wales and around the world. During the visit, the First Minister and visiting group took the opportunity to chat with employees and enjoyed a guided tour of the brand-new testing facilities as he officially opened the new Innovation Centre.

Speaking after the visit Huw Irranca-Davies MS said:  “This is a fantastic new facility, and this huge investment by Siderise is a real vote of confidence in the incredible workforce and in this area as the base for future expansion. We were all delighted that the First Minister took the time out of a busy schedule to open this facility. He even fired up the new testing furnace – named Idris by the staff – which is a state-of-the art testing facility.”

Siderise Insulation are now global leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of high-performance passive fire protection solutions and help to deliver safer buildings all over the world.

Their purpose-built facilities feature a specialist fire test furnace which, once UKAS accredited, will help the company to enhance its research and development and be used in the wider construction industry supporting fire safety standards across the sector, helping to put Wales on the world map as a hub of safety innovation.