WEPA ramps up production capacity in UK; tissue producer adding an additional 70,000 tpy

(London, Dec 2022) The WEPA Group has put a new paper machine into operation at its Welsh site in Bridgend, thereby doubling its production capacity for the UK market. The paper produced is processed into toilet and kitchen paper for the British consumer market, where WEPA plays a leading role. The investment created more than 50 new jobs at the site.
The new paper machine has an annual production capacity of 70,000 tons and is designed for the manufacture of sanitary paper products from both fresh fibers and 100 percent recycled fibers. With its high energy efficiency, the new paper machine from the manufacturer Valmet makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and water consumption. This saves resources and optimizes 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 plants and the new paper machine. Several processing projects were carried out in parallel, including a new line for lotioned 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 paper.”
Great Britain is an important 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. Investing 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 people.
The Bridgend site has been part of the WEPA Group since 2013 - initially as a joint venture before being fully taken over in 2018. With this investment, the WEPA Group strengthens its competitiveness as one of the three largest European manufacturers in the tissue paper market. With a total of 22 paper machines, the group has a production capacity of around 850,000 tons per year. (Source: press release)