South-Wales based manufacturer, Morgan Marine, marks a major milestone with the addition of an all-new production facility
Leading manufacturer of Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) and steel products, Morgan Marine supports vital infrastructure across South Wales and beyond. Six decades in the making, the company has experienced enduring success across a range of sectors, as Managing Director, Rhydian Jones, begins: “In 1965, the business was founded by John Morgan, who was a Cathodic Engineer within the marine industry.
“We started out by offering covers that utilized GRP to combat saltwater corrosion on shipping vessels. Then, after three years, we relocated to Llandybie. This is a rural area in Carmarthenshire, South West Wales, and it’s where we are still located today. 
“During this time, we focused our expertise on a growing demand for infrastructure support services, specifically in the water, gas, and electricity sectors. We decided to branch out into new markets, including construction, renewables, nuclear energy, rail, and data centers.
“By 2003, we’d undergone a period of rapid expansion, and introduced a range of steel products, all of which complement our GRP enclosure origins. These products support and protect enclosures and equipment within areas that are at risk of flooding. “Since then, we’ve grown into one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of industrial housing. We’ve also hit some major milestones, including the extension of our Llandybie office, which was opened by King Charles himself in 2015.
“In 2022, we celebrated a management buyout, which was the beginning of a new chapter for the business. We’ve since brought in some new team members and continued our long legacy of manufacturing excellence.”
Enhanced capacity
Having experienced ongoing success under new management, Morgan Marine will soon be opening the doors to its all-new production facility, as Rhydian reveals: “As the business has continued to expand, we’ve been looking for ways to effectively manage our growth. Part of our strategy for this involved acquiring an additional 47,000 square feet of manufacturing space in a separate facility. This new unit will be within 500 yards of our headquarters, and its primary purpose is to become the new location of our steel production line.
“The new facility will enhance our production capacity through the integration of more modern technologies. This supports our long-term goal of establishing a dedicated on-site training school, where young talent can get to grips with our specialized manufacturing processes. Not only will the additional facility support us operationally, but it will also provide us with a great opportunity to offer more jobs to local people. We are one of Carmarthenshire’s largest independent employers, and we’re looking to provide a boost to the economy with the addition of our new factory.
“It’s also important to us that we continue to invest in local manufacturing and demonstrate confidence in our community. By increasing production and lowering lead times, we can help to support the growing demand that’s being placed on our critical infrastructure and energy sectors.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen changes in the climate that have resulted in more extreme weather events, including flooding and sewage spillages. Morgan Marine provides the equipment necessary to prevent these disasters. Our expansion efforts are part of an active effort to protect local neighborhoods, as well as critical infrastructure.”
Community driven
Alongside its commitment to local communities, Morgan Marine is also dedicated to a sustainable future, as Rhydian discusses: “Our products and services support the transition toward renewable energy in a number of ways. We have solar power, battery storage, transformer housing, and substation enclosures for the transmission of energy into the grid.
“Additionally, we provide support systems for wind turbine energy production. Our steel enclosures are vital for the transfer of generated energy and the safe operation of wind farms across the UK.”
On the dawn of its 60th anniversary, Morgan Marine remains forward-thinking and community driven. These values have seen the company through thick and thin, as Rhydian affirms: “Given our rural location, supporting and giving back to the community has been essential for Morgan Marine’s long-term success. It’s been a very rewarding journey, working closely with young people in the local area through training programs and investments in college and university courses.
“For our employees who show promise and dedication to the company, we provide a clear pathway to progression, and access to lifelong learning. We prioritize promoting people internally and work hard to ensure everyone feels respected in the workplace. We also maintain strong relationships with external partners, including the Welsh Government, who have been very supportive of our work over the course of our 60-year tenure.
“Ultimately, our success is driven by innovation, a commitment to quality, and the ability to adapt to market demands. The dedication of our skilled workforce, strong customer relationships, and the value we place on sustainability and community involvement have also been key to our long-term success.”
Fostering talent
Celebrating 60 years in business means looking forward as well as back. Rhydian considers what’s next for the business: “In five years, we aim to expand into international markets, cement our position as a leader in industrial housing, and continue developing sustainable solutions. The new training school will be a key part of our growth, fostering talent and innovation for the future.
“We’re incredibly proud of our achievements over the past 60 years and look forward to continuing our work within the community. We’d like to thank our employees, customers, and local supporters for their invaluable contributions to our journey,” he concludes.