Harp factory to make debut

Production of harps is rare in Wales, despite their familiarity

A harp-making factory is to be set up at an old school building in Ceredigion.

A company, Telynau Teifi, will produce the rare instrument at the old Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul site in Llandysul.

The firm, in partnership with Ceredigion Objective One Board, has been awarded a grant of £709,000 through European Objective One funding.

The project also had match funding from Ceredigion council, Gomer Press and Allan Shiers, of Telynau Teifi.

In addition to the unpaid time worked by company, staff, this means a package worth £1.1m.

"A group of us wanted to give something back to the community and when Allan Shiers suggested some very exciting ideas about producing harps on a large scale, we decided to go for it," said Howard Mitchell, a director of Telynau Teifi.

Prototype

"The development process has been a long and arduous one and we know we're only starting on the hard work but we're thrilled and taking great pleasure in it.

"Our long term ambition is to create eight vacancies in the factory and ensure any profits are invested in the local community.

"However we need to convert the original building into a modern factory."

"We need jobs in this area and I'm delighted the council is backing this development," said Ray Quant, the Ceredigion cabinet member responsible for economic development, tourism and training.

"I've seen a prototype of the harp and it's an instrument of a high standard which Telynau Teifi should be proud of."

This development has been a priority for the partnership and it has received technical support from Cardiff University.

The partnership will also continue to play an important consultation role and it hopes the town of Llandysul will benefit financially and culturally.

As the production of harps is rare in Wales, Telynau Teifi hopes to raise the profile of both this industry and Llandysul.