HYWEL Williams, MP for Arfon, has praised a Caernarfon-based friction manufacturer for their growth and the employment they have brought to the region.
Mr Williams was given a tour of Friction Technology’s facility and new manufacturing systems by Managing Director Derek Weir, who co-founded the industrial friction manufacturing firm in 2003.
Mr Weir drew on his own extensive experience within the brake and clutch manufacturing industry, including time spent with the world-leading Friction Dynamics (FERODO) in Caernarfon.
The business, which now employs 20 full time workers, manufactures industrial brake pads, friction disks, gear cut discs and roll materials, servicing the marine, agriculture, automotive, wind turbine, construction, and off-highway industries.
Friction Technology products are exported internationally, with customers in the USA, UK, Europe, and China.
Following his visit, Mr Williams said: “I was delighted to visit Friction Technology at their expanded manufacturing premises in Caernarfon and was extremely impressed by both their innovative new manufacturing machinery and their ongoing commitment to local employment.
“Since my last visit and despite the challenges of Covid and Brexit, they have expanded significantly and now employ twenty people, growing from strength to strength and are committed to giving young, local people some great career opportunities.
“Friction Technology is an important company to the Gwynedd economy but what makes the firm stand out is that their expansive knowledge of the industry is second to none and their expertise is the cornerstone of their continued success.
“Brexit has inevitably brought its own challenges, putting UK-based firms at a competitive disadvantage to EU counterparts.
“However, Friction Technology’s investment in manufacturing tech and unrivalled knowledge of the industry has enabled the local business to weather the storm, ensuring that Friction Technology remains at the forefront of the industry.
“I look forward to seeing the business build on its success; continuing to fly the flag for Caernarfon and north Wales as leaders in brake pad and friction manufacturing.”
Link to Friction Technology: https://www.frictiontechnology.co.uk/about-us/.
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