LLANFYLLIN mayor has welcomed the takeover of a closure-threatened factory in North Powys, calling it “fantastic news”.

It was announced on February 1 that the Welsh Government had stepped in the purchase a factory in Llanfyllin, formerly owned by automobile parts manufacturer Stadco, paving the way for a Coventry-based manufacturer to take over.

Now owned by Marrill Group Ltd, the factory was at risk of closure after it was announced in October 2020 that Stadco was consolidating its operations elsewhere in the UK.

The closure announcement put 102 jobs under threat, prompted numerous appeals from local Unions and Welsh Government representatives to ensure the factory’s future for its employees.

Councillor Peter Lewis, the mayor of Llanfyllin, has praised the move.

“This is fantastic news for Llanfyllin," he said.

"A dark cloud has hung over Llanfylin since Magna the Parent Company of Stadco announced October 2020 it was closing.

"Stadco is the largest employer in the town, and to know it is to remain open is a massive relief to me and the town.

“I have worked closely with Russell George our Senedd member who has lobbied Welsh Government to keep the factory open and I would like to thank the Welsh Government in their involvement to do this .

“I would like to congratulate Marrill LTD in there New acquisition and for safe guarding jobs in Llanfyllin.

“The new investment of a 2,500 ton press which is coming from Spain is the talk of Llanfyllin as it will be the largest press in the UK and shows the commitment of Marrill’s to the future of the factory with such a large investment.

“This is great news.”