Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie has hosted the chief executive of an offshore wind cable manufacturer as the company looks to build a big factory on Anglesey and create 300 jobs.
Virginia took Tratos UK CEO Dr Maurizio Bragagni for a tour around the island on Sunday to meet with prominent local businesses to discuss the exciting project.
They met with the Wylfa Newydd Horizon team led by Head of Stakeholder Communications Ifer Gwyn and Stephen Roberts, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager to discuss apprentices and their work with Coleg Menai.
The pair also visited Orthios in Holyhead before meeting with Stena’s Port Services Manager at the port of Holyhead Alan Williams to discuss how Tratos could work with Stena.
Tratos wants to build the 50,000 square-metre facility to produce array and export cables. Both are in short supply due to heavy demand from the offshore wind industry.
“It was a pleasure to meet with Maurizio, show him around our wonderful island and introduce him to some of the businesses that would work in partnership with Tratos UK,” said Virginia.
“The company is very serious about building its factory by the sea here but it wants to see a freeport on the island before it commits.
“My job is to continue to make the case to Welsh Government to start the freeport process without delay otherwise this substantial investment, presently earmarked for our island, might go elsewhere.
“This would be an absolute tragedy. If Welsh Government will not do the right thing by this island, then I will ask the UK Government to intervene and take over the process.
“For too long Anglesey has been the poor relation in Wales. Here is a company that wants to bring jobs and investment and all it needs is encouragement and certainty. It’s time we got our fair share.”
Virginia also paid tribute to the new Y Llofft cafe in Amlwch Port where the pair lunched and were looked after by Head Chef Barry and his team.
Dr Bragagni added: “I would like to thank Virginia for inviting me to tour the island with her and speak to others about our shared ambitions for investment on Anglesey. Tratos’ focus is firmly on a factory by the sea to make cables for the offshore wind industry located within a freeport.
“I know Virginia is working hard to make sure the freeport comes to Anglesey and alongside the island’s work ethic and enthusiasm for green technology this could be a winning partnership resulting in 300 new careers.
“Tratos UK is Looking forward to working with Virginia over the coming months to help deliver this exciting project. There are hurdles to overcome but Anglesey has a real champion in Virginia and one who understands the island needs investment.”
