Manufacturing Wales, the independent voice representing the vision and ambitions of manufacturers across Wales recently hosted its latest members event, an industry led factory tour of one of its founder members, Penderyn Distillery.
Led by Commercial Director, Giancarlo Bianchi the event was created to give members a deep insight into the distilling and maturation processes and to understand which parts are automated and how the manufacturing process takes place sequentially.
Following the tour, a key topic of debate was centred around how Penderyn’s key markets emerge and future planning for growth of the business, including how being a Welsh company is vital to the brand identity.
Further discussions around the expansion plans into North Wales and Swansea and why these developments are vital for growth are also presented.
The event it enabled time and space for specific questions on manufacturing equipment, staffing, planning and behind the scenes access to key processes.
The event sits at the core of Manufacturing Wales core mission which is to facilitate Welsh manufacturing firms and academia to connect, share ideas, problem solve issues and create new ventures together.
Heidi Sachs, Director at Modplan commented:
“We found the tour to be really interesting and it was great to get an insight into the production process at Penderyn. We sometimes have an offsite brainstorming session so it was great to hear that conference facilities are available there. Great too to meet other members - networking is always good.
Matthew Taylor, Direction for Innovation at Cardiff Met Commented
“I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at the company, and also good to be able to chat informally with other members. I also thought the duration was about right – long enough to be meaningful but not so long that it took up too much time away from the day job. Really added value to our Manufacturing Wales membership.”
Manufacturing Wales CEO, Heather Anstey-Myers Commented:
“This behind here scenes tour was very useful for other manufacturers. To hear about the choice of barrel, the expertise taken in the maturation process, an understanding of the processes done by hand and why, and areas of work that have been automated was fascinating. To hear the story about how Penderyn started was just inspiring. From the investment in growth, to marketing and brand development to expansion in Wales, this tour took us on a journey from grain delivery, water from bore holes to whisky tasting!”
The next factory tours in June and July are set to take place at steel-framed buildings specialist Shufflebottom and an insight into SPTS Technologies who provide advanced wafer processing solutions to the world's leading semiconductor and microelectronic device manufacturers.
For further information about Manufacturing Wales membership contact [email protected]
