Swansea manufacturing firm Viscose Closures has welcomed its first apprentice of many, in a scheme aimed at building closer relationships with local education establishments and nurturing local talent.
Viscose Closures has been proudly manufacturing in the UK for over 125 years and in Swansea for 70 years. The company produces tamper evidence and anti-counterfeiting solutions for packaging and also offers a wide range of caps and closures from its HQ on Swansea Enterprise Park.
The first apprentice has been welcomed from nearby Gower College, from which the company hopes to recruit many more in the coming months. In addition to committing to apprenticeship opportunities across the business, Viscose is working closely with MADE Cymru to collaborate on an innovation partnership. MADE Cymru is a suite of EU-funded projects delivered by University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with the project focusing on helping organisations adapt to the challenges of Industry 4.0.
As part of their commitment to people development, Viscose is also providing facilities for colleagues to upskill during their working hours, in line with their goal to be a key contributor to manufacturing excellence, directly and indirectly, across the region.
Vince Minchella, CEO, Viscose Closures, said: “Investing in people is critical to any business and central to our goal of growing a global brand presence. Using our experience and resourcefulness in innovation to drive new product development and to serve our diverse, international customer base in new ways.
“We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional customer experience and our people are passionate about helping to identify and satisfy our customers’ needs. In working with our educational partners, we are dedicating resources to the development of the Viscose family and to creating an environment where individuals are encouraged to grow and excel in their roles.
“The testament to our longevity is our people. We are fortunate to have the most committed, dedicated team and we believe strongly in nurturing, developing, and recognising their talent. I am very pleased to welcome our first apprentice and look forward to welcoming many more.”
Viscose is built on strong values by visionaries such as Charles Frederick Cross, the inventor of the Viscose process in 1892. Innovation and competitiveness have beencritical to growing and pivoting the business ever since. Viscose has a long history of working with local academic bodies on a number of innovation projects, seeking new ways to enhance its already strong eco credentials.
As a manufacturer of compostable and biodegradable tamper evident packaging solutions, the company continues the critical research into bio plastics and closed loop supply chains to help create a sustainable world. Future investments in their manufacturing processes will build on the driving principle of validating the commitment they have made to protecting the environment and reducing their carbon footprint.
