Enthusiastic schoolchildren were given a lesson in how top class trailers are made.
Pupils from Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy in Cynwyd were given a tour of the Ifor Williams Trailers factory which is just down the road from the school.
The 26 youngsters from the year combined five and six class donned high visibility jackets and safety goggles and went to see Europe’s biggest trailer maker as part of a project where they will be designing and building their own trailer at a 1:32 scale.
They were given an informative presentation by Andrew Reece-Jones, the Design Engineering Manager at Ifor Williams Trailers, before they were shown around the production lines.
There they were shown how the wheels are fitted, the sides, the lights, the mud guards, and how the wiring is done.
To top it off they were given refreshments and they all received a goodie bag to take home which included a pencil case, a pack of felt tips, and a model of an Ifor Williams trailer.
The visit was extra special for Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy pupil, Alfie Milne, 10, who saw his dad Gary Milne, a Production Operator, at work putting the wheels on trailers.
Alfie said: “It was nice to see my dad at the Ifor Williams Trailers factory because I got to see how he helps make the trailers. I also got to see other stuff like how they put on the lights. My dad likes working at Ifor Williams Trailers.”
Proud dad Gary said: “I was thrilled that Alfie was able to see where I work and what I do.
“When I go home I can explain what I’ve been doing, what I’ve been up to and Alfie will have a much better idea of what I’m talking about.”
Fellow pupil Jac Hughes, 11, added: “I enjoyed looking at how the trailers are made and learning about how the production lines work. That’s because before I came here I didn’t know about production lines. I thought the same people would make the whole trailer.
“Being at the Ifor Williams Trailers factory has inspired me and I think I’d like to work in robotics in the future having seen some of the technology used in the production process.
“I’m looking forward to making our own trailer and I’ve had a lot of ideas from here because of all of the different trailers they have.
“My granddad has an Ifor Williams Trailer. He uses it to carry our bikes when we go on holiday in our caravan. He’s had it for three years, and he loves it. It’s very good and strong.”
According to Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy teacher Sioned Hedd Jones, the children had a wonderful time.
She said: “They have been very eager to come here to the Ifor Williams Trailers factory. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn about what they need for their trailer making project.
“This tour has been perfect for us. We couldn’t have asked for better. The children were shown the process of making an Ifor Williams Trailer step by step. It’s totally fantastic and it really has been an unforgettable experience for them.
“It’s been extra special for Alfie who got to see his dad at work.
“The children listened attentively to the presentation and they really enjoyed it.”
Business Operations Manager Rob Small, who took some of the children on the tours of the factory, added: “It’s important for us at Ifor Williams Trailers that we are part of the community. The school is in Cynwyd and only down the road so it’s been great to have the children here to show them what goes on here.
“The children had an opportunity to see how are trailers are made. They were given a presentation by Andrew which they really enjoyed. They were also told interesting facts about our trailers.
“After the presentation we took them down the production line for the Boxvan in groups, and hopefully this will have helped them with their own trailer making project.”
