Ruabon firm Eco-Readymix host Ken Skates MS after Welsh Government support

A company which received Welsh Government support to safeguard local jobs is looking to the future – with plans to expand its Wrexham operation.

Eco-readymix supplies mortars, screeds and concrete to builders, construction companies and civil engineers throughout North Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire and Merseyside.

Now it wants to break new ground while building on its excellent environmental credentials.

The company welcomed local Member of the Senedd Ken Skates on Wednesday (June 16) to show him what it does and discuss its ambitious plans.

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “Eco-readymix are already industry leaders and have a proud record of employing local people. They’re also extremely innovative. It was great to meet some of the team and hear about the company’s plans for investing in our area and creating more local jobs.”

Sales Manager Ady Williams said: “We are looking to invest in a dry silo production unit here at our Ruabon depot. This involves bringing in sand, drying it using biomass systems, blending this with dried cement and supplying it to construction sites as an alternative product to what we currently supply. If we can get this facility operational we would be the only Welsh company capable of doing this and also the only company in the UK drying the products in an eco-friendly way.”

Eco-readymix, which employs 52 people, was given a grant of £42,500 by the Welsh Government last year to help safeguard jobs during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Managing Director Gary Billington, who founded the company in 2008, said: “At Eco-readymix, we employ a wide range of industry professionals. From our sales and administrative teams to our batchers, delivery drivers and concrete specialists, everyone is based in the local area. By employing a local workforce, we are helping to support the local economy by giving back to the community.”

Mr Skates added: “It was fascinating to hear about the emphasis the business puts on using sustainably sourced materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. The raw materials they used are sustainably sourced from ethically managed quarries, where possible they use recycled materials and they are always looking for ways to evolve and develop.

“Their offices are run on biomass heating, their electricity is generated on-site and all deliveries are made with handheld technology which reduces the need for paperwork. The company also does a lot for charity and with local schools. It’s a really impressive operation and they are a fantastic example of a local company giving back to the community.”