Ciner Glass has received planning approval to build a glass manufacturing facility in the UK.
The £390 million facility will be built in Ebbw Vale, Wales and lead to the creation of up to 600 jobs.
The facility, referred to in the planning documents as the Dragon Glass Bottle Manufacturing Facility is scheduled to start glass production in 2026.
Planning permission was granted by Blaneu Gwent County Borough Council.
Following a robust debate in the council chamber, the recently appointed members of the Planning Committee agreed a resolution to grant approval for the planning application subject to a legally binding (Section 106) agreement, paving the way for Ciner Glass to look towards preparing the site for this major development.
Mrs Didem Ciner, Executive Board Member of Ciner Glass, said: “We are extremely pleased to have received approval to move forward with our exciting plans to build and operate our new glass bottle manufacturing facility in Ebbw Vale.
"This is the first step towards building a world-class facility in the heart of South Wales and we cannot wait to begin working on making our vision for Blaenau Gwent a reality."
The project is set to create around 600 highly skilled jobs on a 21.5ha vacant plot within the Rassau Industrial Estate.
The hope is that the size and scale of this project can act as a catalyst for economic regeneration, helping increase investment in the circular economy in Wales.
The project will also create supply chain opportunities, supporting 1,200 indirect jobs in the supply chain.
Between 400 – 500 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with several hundred people working on site during the peak of construction.
The company intends to supply glass bottles to UK food and beverage producers, with a vision to build a world-leading centre of engineering excellence in glass technology in Wales.
The site is currently owned by Welsh Government and the local council. Following the granting of planning permission, can now be purchased by Ciner Glass.
Discussions with local stakeholders will now move forward as proposals for the facility progress over the coming months.
The glass manufacturer has identified the main supply chain opportunities and plans to place contracts with local companies wherever possible.
It said it was committed to playing an integral role in the local community, with plans to hire local people and foster skills and expertise in Blaenau Gwent, becoming a long-term employer in the area.
It has already started to work with local colleges, universities and training providers so that it will be able to provide education and training opportunities in the area.
