Italian company ICT, which was set up in 1978 in Lucca, Italy, and has today become an internationally leading presence with a strong presence in Europe, has signed a preliminary contract for a 50-acre (202,350 square meter) site to develop a state-of-the-art integrated paper production and converting plant that will be the first of its kind in the UK in over 15 years. Construction is due to start early next year and the project will eventually create 229 new jobs.
This new mill, featuring the latest technological advancements, will produce consumer paper products marketed under ICT own brands and under ICT’s own brand, Foxy, in the Irish and UK markets. For the company, this development project, at this precise location, represents an «exceptional opportunity» for distributors and their consumers, who will thus be able to benefit from the availability of the best quality paper products, thanks to the experience with the supply chain of ICT, which is a leading company in the field.
«This development is good news for the Northern Gateway site, for Deeside and for all of North Wales» says Prime Minister Mark Drakeford. «The arrival of this state-of-the-art plant will create more than 200 jobs and offer the possibility of further development.
The Northern Gateway site has enormous potential and I am delighted that we were able to support ICT’s decision to build its new plant there. It will in the future be a major employer and a major player in the development of North Wales with a view to strengthening and equity».
«This is great news for North Wales» says North Welsh Minister Lesley Griffiths. «ICT is a world leader in its sector and will be a source of qualified employment for the region. I look forward to seeing the development of these exciting projects».
«Working with the Welsh government over the past two years has been a very positive experience». says a spokesperson for the Italian company. «ICT has carried out a very in-depth feasibility study of potential sites for the project over the past three years, and we are very pleased with our final decision to establish ourselves in Deeside and strengthen our economic presence in North Wales and, more generally, on the United Kingdom».