£15m investment guarantees Wigan firm’s future for next decade

A key employer in Wigan has secured a significant financial investment of more than £15m from their Japanese parent company.

In 2016, Electric Glass Fiber UK, was acquired by Nippon Electric Glass, which has demonstrated its commitment to the Hindley-based company for the next decade by investing millions into their manufacturing plant.

The fibre glass manufacturer has more than 300 staff. The end use of the fibre glass it creates is in wind turbine blades, and replacing the steel in vehicles, trains and planes to increase fuel efficiency.

A symbolic furnace lighting event recently took place with the executive vice president of NEG, Mr Hirokazu Takuechi, flying over from Japan to perform the ceremony.

Leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux, Mayor of Wigan Borough, Cllr Sue Greensmith, and Lord Peter Smith, spoke at the event and congratulated the companies on their milestone.

Brian Stewart, managing director of Electric Glass Fiber UK and member of Wigan Borough’s Forward Board, said: “We’re delighted to have had colleagues from Japan and Wigan Council visit the plant and be a part of this celebration.

“We’re thankful for this investment, which will help us provide a more environmentally-friendly manufacturing footprint and provide continued employment security for more than 300 employees.

“We’re committed to providing an impeccable service and now look forward to a bright future with NEG.”

NEG is an international glass manufacturing company who pride themselves on ‘uncovering the unlimited possibilities of glass for more advanced creative manufacturing.’

The furnace lighting ceremony incorporated traditional Japanese Shinto and Christian traditions and was a celebration of a new future with Electric Glass Fiber UK.

Father Owen Edwards led a pastoral prayer for good production and business and a purification ceremony by Mr Takeuchi also took place.

Cllr Molyneux said: “We’re committed to supporting businesses in Wigan Borough to flourish, so it’s fantastic news that Electric Glass Fiber UK has secured this investment, which will go towards further company upgrades.

“Brian and his team will be able to make some positive improvements to their manufacturing process, which will, in turn, benefit the local economy and area.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Electric Glass Fiber and wish them well in their new venture.”

Wigan Borough is home to more than 12,000 businesses and has ambitious plans for economic growth over the coming decade.