Businesses set to invest in manufacturing and energy efficiency

Businesses in Newtown and Welshpool are among those benefiting from a £1.22 million investment into the Powys economy, following the award of 18 capital grants aimed at supporting growth and long-term sustainability.

The funding, announced by Powys County Council, combines nearly £1 million of private investment from local businesses with £243,000 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Grants cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, capped at £25,000 per business.

Several Newtown-based firms were successful, supporting investment in energy efficiency, manufacturing capability, and waste reduction.

Cambrian Packaging in Newtown has received £11,500 towards installing solar panels at its main office and warehouse, helping to reduce energy costs and improve environmental performance. Contact Attachments, also based in the town, secured £10,911.98 for solar panels and energy efficient lighting.

Manufacturing businesses in Newtown are also investing in new technology. Philip Jones Builders was awarded £21,550 to purchase automated equipment to support the manufacture of its own kitchens, while Polyco received the maximum £25,000 grant to invest in specialist equipment that separates waste MDF into reusable raw wood fibre.

Reeco Automation, another Newtown employer, secured £19,870 towards installing solar panels and a biomass heating system at its factory, further strengthening the town’s growing reputation for advanced engineering and sustainable manufacturing.

Welshpool businesses also featured among the successful applicants. Davlec, based in the town, received £17,000 to replace an older wave soldering machine with a selective solder system. The upgrade is expected to improve production accuracy, increase speed, and significantly reduce energy consumption.

In total, 150 businesses submitted applications for the scheme, with around 300 initially expressing interest.

Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said selecting the final 18 projects had been challenging.

“Selecting the 18 was a difficult process, with around 300 businesses expressing an interest in receiving a grant, and around half of these then going on to submit a full application,” he said.

“We have prioritised the projects that we believe will have the biggest impact on productivity and sustainability across a range of sectors. The £1.22 million leveraged through this grant scheme represents a significant investment in our county’s commercial infrastructure.”

All funded projects are due to be completed and paid for over the coming weeks.

Businesses with questions about economic development support in Powys can contact the council by emailing economicdevelopment@powys.gov.uk. Powys County Council is also keen to hear from companies, both within and outside the county, that are looking for new sites or premises to support future expansion.