Welsh Fencing Firm to Close Down Leading to Job Losses
A longstanding fencing firm in rural Gwynedd, Glasfryn Fencing, is facing closure, resulting in the unfortunate loss of nine jobs. Established 37 years ago by the nephew of Portmeirion architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the sustainable forestry company has been a significant presence in the community. The site manager, Arwel Roberts, who has been with the enterprise since its inception, expressed deep sadness over the decision to cease trading at the end of the month.
The Glasfryn estate trustees, after deliberations with the Williams-Ellis family, have made the difficult choice to shut down the sawmill. Employees, including one staff member with a remarkable 34 years of service, have been informed of the closure. The announcement has sparked concerns in northwest Wales as orders have been cancelled, including approximately 8,500 trees designated for planting.
Renowned for its high-quality products and exceptional durability, Glasfryn Fencing had carved a niche for itself in the market, particularly as a leading supplier of firewood. The company had a rich history, originally focused on selling timber from its woodlands before expanding into a sawmill operation in the 1980s to better manage its supply chain, making it the sole woodland holding in Wales with its own sawmill.
Roger Williams-Ellis, the visionary behind Glasfryn Fencing, initiated the business to market timber from his family’s woodlands. Over the years, the company evolved, adopting new technologies and diversifying its product range to include items such as fence posts, gates, and firewood. The closure of Glasfryn Fencing marks the end of an era for the local community, which relied on the company for a range of wood-based products.
Mr Roberts reflected on the company’s humble beginnings and its commitment to producing top-notch goods. He emphasised the importance of maintaining quality and customer satisfaction throughout Glasfryn’s operations, which earned them a loyal customer base across the region. The closure will not only impact the dedicated employees, some of whom have spent over a decade at the sawmill, but also the wider community that valued Glasfryn’s offerings.
As the region comes to terms with the impending closure of Glasfryn Fencing, there is a sense of loss for a business that played a vital role in the local economy for nearly four decades. The legacy of Roger Williams-Ellis and his commitment to sustainable forestry will be remembered as the company bids farewell to its operations at the end of the month.
This unfortunate turn of events serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by rural businesses and the impact of economic decisions on local communities. The closure of Glasfryn Fencing underscores the need to support and sustain traditional industries in the face of evolving market dynamics. The loss of jobs and the end of an iconic business are poignant markers of the changing landscape in rural Wales, prompting reflection on the future of sustainable enterprises in the region.