Plans have been approved to develop a glass bottle manufacturing facility in Ebbw Vale, which aims to bring around 600 jobs to the local area when it opens.

CiNER Glass Property Ltd, which already operates a facility in Turkey, was formally granted permission for the construction and operation of a purpose-built glass manufacturing facility, and associated development at Rassau Industrial Estate. The first part of the facility, which will be called 'Dragon Glass', is expected to be operational late in 2024. The application was granted subject to a number of detailed planning conditions imposed by Blaenau Gwent Council’s Planning Committee.

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Councillor John Morgan, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Place & Regeneration said: "This is really great news for Blaenau Gwent. The CiNER glass manufacturing facility is a major investment which will bringing much needed jobs to Blaenau Gwent and the region, both during the construction phase and when fully up and running. It will also have benefits for local supply chains, and is a welcome and a major boost to the local economy as we recover from the damaging impact of the Covid pandemic.

"CiNER's business strategy is to be the world’s largest glass producer using the latest and best technology; and to do so with a model that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and values people. this will create significant employment opportunities within an economically challenged region as we work to tackle economic deprivation and create further economic opportunities for our communities.

"CiNER is committed to engaging with a range of local partners including colleges, the local authority and job centre plus/Careers Wales to develop opportunities around apprenticeships and work placements including during construction."