A trailer firm has been hailed as a world leader that’s stayed true to its Welsh roots.
The verdict came from North Wales Regional AM Aled Roberts during a visit to the headquarters of Ifor Williams Trailers in Cynwyd, near Corwen.
Mr Roberts was taken on a tour of the factory where many of the company’s market-leading products are made by Managing Director John Williams.
As well as being sold through a network of 50 UK distributors, the trailers are exported all over the world with distributors as far afield as Australia and New Zealand – not to mention the former Soviet republic of Georgia, the West Indies, Japan and Africa.
With exports becoming increasingly important, Germany is expected to soon become the number one export country for the firm which also has factories in Corwen and Deeside.
Mr Roberts said: “The visit has very much been an eye-opener. What’s surprising to me is the size of the facility and the way they have innovated over the past decade to ensure they are strong going forward.
“I was surprised at how sophisticated the manufacturing process is here, in particular at the Ty’n Llidiart factory in Corwen where there has been substantial investment in robotic welding.
“I think what has struck me is the company’s flexibility and the ability to respond to the needs of a changing market.
“Clearly, Ifor Williams Trailers have provided a template for the way in which Welsh companies need to adapt.”
Last November the company hosted 150 distributors from across the UK and 20 different countries around the world for the launch of three new flagship products.
They showcased their first ever horsebox with living accommodation and a large, 24ft long livestock trailer that has a detachable container so it can also be used as flatbed trailer.
The third major launch involved a completely new concept for the trailer specialists. They have designed an innovative mobile unit called business inabox for businesses that need to be able to set up shop in different places.
The trio of products represent three new areas of business for Ifor Williams Trailers which required new engineering skills and investment in new machinery.
Mr Roberts added: “They don’t want to stand still and their figures over the past three years particular show the strength of the product because they are now penetrating markets that they had not done previously.
“The research and development side of the business is something that clearly they are reliant upon.
“The Germans are well known for their engineering abilities and the fact that Germany is destined to be their biggest growth market shows the reliability of the product.
“They are the largest employer in South Denbighshire and the impact that can have on support for rural communities shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Maintaining work for young people in an area means that schools and other services are able to continue.
“The fact that their trailers can be seen throughout Europe and beyond means that Ifor Williams Trailers is a flag bearer for Wales.
“I am proud that they have developed into a world leading brand and yet they have maintained their connection with their Welsh roots and that fact that they see the strength of their workforce and the quality of their products as unique selling points.”
Managing Director John Williams was grateful to Mr Roberts for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the company.
Mr Williams said: “We are very proud of what we do here and we were delighted that Mr Roberts showed such a genuine interest in our operation.
“It is gratifying to know that he holds the company in such high esteem and regards us as an important employer in North Wales.”
