Bridgend kitchen firm expands production after securing council-backed funding

Sigma 3 Kitchens, which has been designing and manufacturing bespoke kitchens for more than 50 years, has invested in new machinery at its Bridgend Industrial Estate site after receiving a Business Development Grant. The funding helped the company purchase a CNC drilling machine, allowing it to bring work previously outsourced to third parties back in‑house.

The firm employs 220 full‑time and eight part‑time staff, and says the new equipment will support a fresh manufacturing line and help safeguard jobs at the site.

Senior councillors, including Mayor Cllr Huw David, council leader Cllr John Spanswick and cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Neelo Farr, visited the factory to see the new investment in action.

Brian Lakin, chairman of Sigma 3 Kitchens, said the support had accelerated plans that would otherwise have been delayed for more than a year. “The funding has been a huge boost to our business and productivity,” he said. “Without the grant, the purchase would have been postponed for at least 12 to 18 months due to financial constraints. The support ensured we could move ahead without compromising growth.

“As a result of the new investment, we’ve been able to create new jobs at our Bridgend facility, making it a more capable and competitive site. Despite the challenging economic climate, we’ve had a strong year and have big plans for the coming years.”

Cllr Farr said the company’s progress was “a massive boost for the local economy”, adding that it was “remarkable to see the new machinery in action”.

Council leader Cllr Spanswick said the visit showed how grant support could help businesses grow. “This machinery is cutting edge, and they are so passionate about the products they deliver,” he said. “I would highly recommend any businesses in the county borough to get in touch about the grants we have to offer.”

The project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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Council leader hails Bridgend Ford site as cornerstone of AI Growth Zone

The 158‑acre site, closed since 2020 and purchased last year by Vantage Data Centres, will be transformed into a data campus of ten main buildings and three substations. Outline planning consent has already been granted, and the scheme is expected to generate up to 5,000 jobs ranging from construction roles to long‑term careers in artificial intelligence.

“At the centre of future AI development”

Cllr Spanswick said the development marked a new chapter for Bridgend:

“South Wales has a longstanding history as a centre of industry, but as needs change and time passes, it becomes essential to adapt to emerging new technologies in order to avoid being left behind.

The multi‑million‑pound investment into the former Ford site is going to place Bridgend County Borough at the centre of future AI development in the UK.”

Support for businesses and young people

Alongside the campus, a £5m support package will help businesses between Bridgend and Newport adapt to AI technologies, retrain staff and benefit from the opportunities. Colleges and universities will also play a key role, creating pathways for young people to gain skills and experience in emerging technologies.

Wider Welsh impact

This is the second AI Growth Zone announced for Wales, following Prosperity Parc on Anglesey and Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd, which together are expected to deliver 3,400 jobs.

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£223k refurbishment brings new life to Maesteg’s netball and basketball courts

Major investment in community sport

The refurbishment forms part of the Sport Wales Court Collaboration Project, a scheme launched in 2022 with Wales Netball and Basketball Wales to widen access to sport across Welsh communities.

Funding for the Maesteg project included £167,250 from Sport Wales’ Court Collaboration Fund and £55,750 from Bridgend County Borough Council’s Community Asset Transfer Fund.

Official opening ceremony

The courts were officially reopened on Thursday 25 September, with speeches from John Spanswick, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Jack Sargeant MS and Stephen Kinnock MP.

The ribbon‑cutting was followed by basketball and netball activities led by national governing bodies, with pupils from St Mary’s & St Patrick’s RC Primary School among the first to try out the new facilities.

Council leader welcomes investment

John Spanswick, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said:

“We are thrilled to have worked in partnership with Sport Wales’ Court Collaboration Scheme and are delighted to announce that the basketball and netball courts at Caedu Park and Maesteg Welfare Park are now available to the community.

It’s brilliant to see that these courts have been given a refurbishment and another boost of investment in the park, having recently opened the neighbouring tennis courts.

I am extremely grateful to the Court Collaboration Scheme for seeing this come to fruition alongside us and I have no doubt that these courts will prove to be popular with adults and children alike in the community.”

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