Author: Rhys Gregory

Filling thick products accurately is one of the most common challenges in packaging operations. Creams, gels, sauces, pastes, and heavy syrups behave very differently from water or alcohol based liquids. They resist flow, trap air, and change viscosity with temperature and batch variation. When the filling method is not matched to the product, the result is slow cycles, inconsistent volumes, and rising waste. This article explains why piston fillers consistently outperform pump based systems when handling viscous products, and how the right filling technology improves accuracy, speed, and long term line efficiency. Why Thick Products Are Hard to Fill Consistently…

Crews remain on scene tackling a large fire at the Paper Mills industiral site, Bridgend. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) remains in attendance at a significant fire at the Paper Mills site on the A4063, Bridgend, following a call received at approximately 20:00 last night. The fire, which has spread through a large industrial unit measuring roughly 400 metres by 200 metres, prompted a substantial emergency response. Fire crews from Maesteg, Bridgend, Kenfig Hill, Cardiff Central, Ely, and Caerphilly have been working through the night to contain and control the incident. All individuals within the premises were safely…

Neath Port Talbot residents are being asked for their views about plans to restore a Grade II listed structure to connect communities. The project, called the Newbridge Road Bridge Active Travel Link, will involve reopening it and linking Riverside Road and Newbridge Road to create a safe, accessible route for walking and cycling. As part of the scheme, a new shared footway will be developed along Riverside Road, and traffic-calming measures will be introduced on Newbridge Road to improve safety and encourage active travel. Neath Port Talbot Council has successfully secured funding for the project from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The re-opening of Newbridge Road Bridge is being…

A mum has launched self-defence classes in Bala after an attack on a teenage girl shattered the town’s sense of safety. Janatha Carden said the assault “burst the bubble” that the picturesque tourist town was immune from such crimes. She has secured £2,000 in funding from North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) to run DefendHER personal safety sessions for women and girls. The first class will be held at Canolfan Bro Tegid from 2pm to 4pm on February 28 with further sessions, including refresher course on June 27, planned later this year as part of a pilot scheme. Janatha…

Alison Hammond, Big Zuu, Catherine Tate as ‘Nan’, Davina McCall, Dermot O’Leary, Jodie Whittaker, Joe Lycett, Joe Marler, Jill Scott, Miranda Hart, Nick Mohammed, and Tia Kofi are among the stars of comedy and entertainment coming together to officially launch Red Nose Day today. This year, Red Nose Day is tapping into one of the things Brits do best – having a laugh at their own expense and happily being the punchline of jokes to bring a smile to others. It’s all about the nation harnessing the typically British love of self-deprecating humour to come together, have a laugh at…

Wales is being hailed as a trail running paradise, offering everything from mountain climbs and rugged coastlines to rolling countryside and woodland paths. For runners keen to leave the city roads behind, the country provides routes to suit all abilities, whether they prefer technical scrambles or faster flowing terrain. The R4W Group, which includes Run 4 Wales and Always Aim High Events, has highlighted a series of major events for 2026 designed to showcase the very best of Welsh trail running. One of the standout fixtures is Rabbit Run Wales, which returns on Saturday 18 July with an expanded programme.…

A new Clean Energy Investment Prospectus for Wales has been revealed this week, outlining the scale of the investment opportunity for clean energy and a pipeline of projects with the potential to unlock over £20bn of investment over the next decade. Created by Net Zero Industry Wales (NZIW) in partnership with Acre, the Prospectus acts as a ‘one-stop shop’ for investors and developers looking for new opportunities — bringing together data, policy context and project intelligence into a single, accessible document. Wales’ approach — and the Prospectus itself — is shaped by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, which…

Cardiff Life Awards is back for 2026, with a night that celebrates the people, businesses and organisations that shape the city. Hosted in the National Museum Cardiff on the 14th of May, the awards is the perfect time to highlight independent start-ups to established brands, shining a spotlight on those making a real impact.  This year, the awards are bigger than ever before, boasting a record-breaking 27 categories, from ‘Arts & Culture’ to ‘Rising Star’ and ‘The Cardiff Lifer of the Year’.  This year’s theme, A Night at the Museum, promises to be full of glitz and glamour, with a…

The Wrexham Gateway scheme is powering ahead as the “final pieces of the jigsaw” are put in place to unlock major private investment, business leaders will be told. The Mold Road development has now surged past the £100 million mark, making it the biggest regeneration scheme the city has ever seen, according to Wrexham County Borough Council project manager Alistair Aldridge. The huge plan includes a new transport hub and public plaza at Wrexham General Railway Station, a flagship office building, a Wrexham Lager brewery, tap room and museum, and the new Kop stand at Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse ground. Mr…

House music tastemaker Chris Stussy will kick off this summer’s season of live music and gigs at Cardiff Castle with a very special dance party. The Dutch superstar will head to the city on Saturday June 6 for the first show of this year’s TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle. More acts for the night will be announced soon. The show will mark a return to the Welsh capital for the DJ, who played alongside Cardiff house icon Jamie Jones last summer. Chris Stussy has firmly established himself as a tastemaker, selector, producer and label boss at the…