ONE of Chippenham’s largest employers welcomed the Mexican ambassador to the United Kingdom last week to officially open the extension of its factory.

Ambassador Julian Ventura met staff from Wavin last Thursday to get a glimpse of the new multi-million pound extension, which has not only created around 50 jobs, but also allowed the Mexican-owned Mexichem company to up their productivity.

“It was fantastic to celebrate the investment that a Mexican company, Mexichem, is making in high-tech manufacturing on a global scale,” Mr Ventura said.

“It was a pleasure to open the extension and witness the positive impact Mexichem’s investment has made to Wavin’s site in Chippenham, enabling the factory to expand and for the company to continue to innovate and support both the industries it serves and the communities it is part of.

“It was also pleasing to see the Mexico and the UK flag flying side by side upon my arrival at the factory in Chippenham, and it is a testament to globalisation.

“Chippenham is a key location for Mexichem because it has strong links to the local community, strong environmental awareness and a commitment to developing skills of staff.”

The 8,000sqm expansion, which started in 2015, cost Wavin £5.5m alone and has transformed the look of the site.

Now completed, workers will be able to produce more plastic products, adapt to the ever-changing demands of the industry, as well as reducing the company’s carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

Brent Nichols, manufacturing director at Wavin, said: “The expansion has been a fantastic opportunity to continue supporting our local community by creating new job opportunities and boosting the local economy.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have now and in years to come.”