'Green' trailer factory approved

The company sells about one in three of its trailers abroad

Plans to expand the galvanising operation at the Ifor Williams trailer factory near Corwen have been approved by Denbighshire councillors.

The company said the new 660 sq m extension to its plant at Cynwyd would be the "cleanest and greenest" of its kind in the UK.

It claims the new zinc "kettle" would use less gas and improve productivity.

A spokesman said the plant would be more efficient, reduce both waste and emissions and save on gas consumption.

The extension will replace the existing galvanising plant built in the late 1980s.

Galvanising steel components is a key part of the production process for the company, which is a major exporter.

It manufactures a wide range of trailers used mainly in agriculture and construction. It employs more than 500 workers.

Noise concern

Cynwyd Community Council had supported the planning application in principle but has called for closer monitoring of any emissions.

Residents have raised the issues of noise and traffic movements.

Council planning officials recommended that the scheme was approved subject to controls on the hours of operation and limits on noise.

The Ifor Williams company was founded in 1958 and has sold more than 400,000 trailers, with about 30% of the products are sold abroad.