Kronospan Limited welcomed Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, to its Chirk headquarters to showcase the company’s commitment to skills development, training, and long-term investment in its workforce.

During the visit, the Minister, met with senior leaders, was given an overview of the history and complexity of the site and spoke with employees who have benefited from the Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme; an initiative that supports upskilling and lifelong learning within key industries.

The visit highlighted how the partnership between the government and industry is helping businesses like Kronospan to strengthen productivity, sustainability, and future workforce resilience.

Kronospan employs over 650 people at its UK manufacturing site in Chirk, and produces particleboard, MDF, P5 Flooring Board, Melamine Faced wood-based panels, laminate flooring, worktops and Sawn Timber. With the Flexible Skills Programme, Kronospan Limited has delivered additional skills training to over 200 employees covering both operations and office based skills.

Ludwig Scheiblreiter, CEO of Kronospan Limited, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Jack Sargeant MS to Kronospan, and to share the progress we are making in developing skills for the future. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and investment in training is essential to maintaining the high standards of innovation and quality that Kronospan is globally known for”, before adding “the support that we’ve received through the Welsh Government’s Flexible Skills Programme has allowed us to enhance the capabilities of our team, and ensure that we remain competitive in a global market. We are proud to be a part of Wales’ success in manufacturing”.

Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, added: “Kronospan is a great example of a company investing in its people and its future. By working in partnership through the Flexible Skills Programme, we’re helping businesses across Wales access the training and expertise that they need to grow sustainably and provide high-quality jobs. It’s been inspiring to meet the team here in Chirk and hear first-hand how these initiatives are making a difference both for individuals and for the wider community”.