GLOBAL manufacturer, Kronospan, has shared its plans for net zero future with a Wrexham councillor.

Kronospan, one of the largest employers in Wrexham, has been operating in Chirk since the 1970’s and has been the latest business in the area to be visited by lead member for environment, Councillor Nigel Williams.

Cllr Williams heard first-hand how the company, which has invested over £500 million in the Chirk facility since it opened, is currently looking at further investments in excess of £200 million.

Chris Emery, operations director and Ben Spruce, chief financial officer, explained that they have plans for new solar installations across the warehouse roof space which could generate up to 7Mwp.

There’s also plans for a biomass combined heat and power system to provide heat energy for the production processes from renewables alongside electricity generation.

During a tour of the site Cllr Williams saw the circular economy processes transforming recycled timber into high quality, carbon negative wood-based panels and the recently completed state of the art automated board storage demonstrating the high-tech future for the company.

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Cllr Williams said: “From a council perspective it’s great to see a local company with ambitious investment plans that will secure local employment and support the decarbonisation of Wrexham.”

Ben and Chris said: “It was a great opportunity to discuss our future plans which are a significant investment in the area and keeps us firmly on our pathway to net zero.

"We look forward to sharing these plans with our wider stakeholder group in the coming months.”