Welsh Government investment tops £600 million, supporting over 40,000 jobs across Wales
Welsh Government investment tops £600 million, supporting over 40,000 jobs across Wales
More than 40,000 jobs have been created or safeguarded across Wales since the start of the current government term, thanks to over £600 million in direct Welsh Government investment, Economy, Energy and Planning Secretary Rebecca Evans has announced.
The wide-ranging support, delivered through a mix of loans, equity, and grants, is part of the Welsh Government’s broader strategy to build what it describes as a “stronger, fairer, and greener economy.”
As part of that £600 million package, Evans unveiled nearly £10 million in fresh investment for three businesses across Wales, supporting close to 700 jobs in key sectors including manufacturing, packaging, and sustainable hygiene products.
Key investments across wales
Boccard UK (Deeside, Flintshire)
French-owned engineering firm Boccard UK is receiving £1.2 million in Economy Futures Funding to support its relocation to a larger, more advanced facility in Deeside. The expansion will enable the company to scale up its digitised manufacturing capabilities and further strengthen its position in Wales’ growing nuclear sector.
The investment is expected to safeguard 59 jobs and create more than 150 new positions.
“This is exactly the sort of overseas-owned company we are looking to attract at our Investment Summit later this year,” said Evans during a visit to the new site. “We are delivering for businesses and communities across Wales.”
Douglas McQueen, Managing Director of Boccard UK, said the funding underpins the company’s commitment to building a highly skilled workforce in Deeside: “This is growing the UK’s nuclear and industrial supply chain, which is key in our challenge to meet net zero targets.”
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WEPA (Bridgend and Maesteg)
An £8 million investment has also been made in Bridgend-based WEPA, a major producer of sustainable hygiene paper products. The funding will contribute to energy efficiency upgrades at its Maesteg facility and help safeguard 325 jobs.
Jordi Goma-Camps Trave, Mill Manager at WEPA, welcomed the support: “This project will not only improve the sustainability of our manufacturing process but also increase production capacity and contribute to the site’s long-term viability.”
Coppice/Sirane (Clydach Vale, Rhondda Cynon Taf)
Packaging manufacturer Coppice is receiving £540,000 to revive a former factory in Clydach Vale, which had been closed since 2022, resulting in the loss of 60 jobs. The site will now be home to a new operation expected to create 83 jobs initially, with potential to grow to 150 within five years.
The investment follows Coppice’s acquisition of Sirane and reflects the group’s push to expand its sustainable food packaging portfolio.
“The opportunity to invest in the Cambrian site and support employment regeneration in the Rhondda was a compelling factor in our decision,” said Managing Director Leon Elston.
“This new facility provides a strategic platform to scale operations and enhance our presence in both current and emerging markets.”
Elston praised the Welsh Government’s role in enabling the investment, calling their funding “pivotal” to the decision-making process.
Commitment to long-term growth
Rebecca Evans highlighted that the government’s support goes beyond short-term job creation.
“From direct business support to long-term regional planning, we are building the infrastructure that allows Welsh businesses to grow, invest, and future-proof their operations,” she said.
“Wales must be a place where good jobs, strong businesses, and thriving communities are the foundation of our economy.”
