Ciner Glass Scraps Plans for Blaenau Gwent Factory But Reaffirms Commitment to Wales
Ciner Glass Scraps Plans for Blaenau Gwent Factory But Reaffirms Commitment to Wales
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Global industrial group Ciner Glass has announced that it will no longer proceed with plans to build a new glass bottling facility in South Wales, marking a major shift in its UK investment strategy. Despite scrapping the project, the company reiterated its long-term commitment to Wales and the UK and is actively exploring alternative developments on the same site in Blaenau Gwent.
The proposed factory was initially intended to bring large-scale glass manufacturing to the Rassau Industrial Estate, with over £20 million already invested in the project through research partnerships, community initiatives, and planning. However, following a comprehensive review of UK market conditions, the company determined the facility was no longer commercially viable.
“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the UK and Welsh Governments, as well as members of Blaenau Gwent County Council, for the support and engagement shown throughout the development of this project,” said Mrs Didem Ciner, Chair of the Board of Ciner Glass.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Blaenau Gwent, who have warmly welcomed the Ciner family and company over the past three years. Their warmth and openness have left a lasting impression, and we remain deeply appreciative of the community’s support.”
Ciner Glass confirmed it is currently in discussions with the Welsh Government to purchase the Rassau site, which it still sees as a strategic location for future UK-based investment.
The withdrawal comes after a detailed internal review revealed that shifts in UK market demand had fundamentally altered the viability of the original factory concept. However, company officials stressed this is not a withdrawal from Wales, but rather a pivot in strategy.
“We value the strong working relationships we have built and look forward to continuing these lines of engagement as we share new plans for our investment in Wales in due course,” said Mrs Ciner.
While the manufacturing facility will not go ahead, Ciner’s community and sponsorship activities remain unaffected. The company has reaffirmed its ongoing support for Ebbw Vale Rugby Club, recently renewing its sponsorship deal for another year. It also announced a three-year extension of its partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union’s Fit, Fed & Fun campaign, which supports child welfare and activity programmes across the country.
These initiatives are part of Ciner’s wider ambition to maintain a positive social footprint in Wales, even as its business plans evolve.
Headquartered in the UK, Ciner Group is a family-owned global industrial enterprise comprising Ciner Glass, WE Soda and Ciner Shipping. Collectively, the Group employs over 3,000 people across Türkiye, Belgium, Greece, and the United States. In the past year alone, Ciner has invested more than $2 billion in expansion across the US and Belgium, with further capital earmarked for projects in the UK.
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