TUC Cymru welcomes Government’s Industrial Strategy and investment in Wales

TUC Cymru has welcomed the UK Government’s new 10-year Industrial Strategy, describing it as a much-needed plan to revitalise industry in Wales.

The strategy includes £4bn for advanced manufacturing, the establishment of a semiconductor centre in Swansea, the creation of a Welsh Defence Growth Cluster, and £30m in support for innovation projects across the country.

Shavanah Taj, general secretary of TUC Cymru, said the strategy represents a shift after years of limited investment in Welsh industry.

The strategy outlines several key reforms aimed at supporting heavy industry, including changes to cut levies for energy-intensive sectors and measures to speed up grid connections.

Taj noted that these steps will help lower costs for Welsh producers of steel, ceramics, chemicals, and glass.

“That’s significant progress towards achieving international competitiveness and safeguarding local jobs,” she said.

A notable part of the investment includes £250m for the automotive and aerospace sectors.

This will support, among other projects, an expansion at the Vishay facility in Newport.