WEPA Group doubles production capacity in the UK

WEPA Group has commissioned a new paper machine at its Welsh site in Bridgend, doubling its production capacity for the UK market. The paper produced is converted into toilet and kitchen paper for the UK consumer market, in which WEPA plays a leading role. The investment has created more than 50 new jobs at the site.

The new paper machine has an annual production capacity of 70,000 tonnes and is designed to produce tissue paper products from both virgin fibre and 100 per cent recycled fibre. With its high energy efficiency, the new paper machine from the manufacturer Valmet contributes significantly to reducing CO2 emissions and water consumption. This conserves resources and optimises cost structures. The paper machine is technically state-of-the-art and designed to produce the highest quality in terms of softness, strength and absorbency.

The investment project also includes new buildings to house the stock preparation equipment and the new paper machine. In parallel, several converting projects were carried out, including a new line for lotionised and perfumed toilet paper.

Martin Krengel, CEO of the WEPA Group: "With the largest single investment in the history of the WEPA Group, we are reaffirming our claim to technology and market leadership in sustainable hygiene papers."

The UK is a significant growth market for WEPA. Martin Krengel: "It is important for us to promote market orientation and to produce for our British customers in our own country. The investment in Bridgend is an investment in the future and in long-term customer partnerships. It strengthens our position in the UK market as a manufacturer with the highest standards of sustainability and product quality, and we have created over 50 new jobs as part of the project." The workforce at WEPA's Welsh site now consists of 325 employees.

The Bridgend site has been part of the WEPA Group since 2013 - initially as a joint venture before being fully acquired in 2018. With this investment, the WEPA Group is strengthening its competitiveness as one of the three largest European manufacturers in the hygiene paper market. With a total of 22 paper machines, the group has a production capacity of around 850,000 tonnes per year.