Fast growing packaging manufacturer Diamondpak is set to expand its workforce after a series of investments in machinery.

The Pontypool and Bristol-based company has invested more than £500,000 in recent months to increase capacity in a bid to achieve ‘double-digit growth’ this year.

It is now recruiting apprentices to assist in its longer term development.

Diamondpak MD Russell Davies said that the company was committed to encouraging young talent.

“We hope to recruit three apprentices over the summer as part of our expansion plans," Mr Davies said.

“Part of our strategy has always been to encourage talent, train staff and promote from within and that has served us well.”

The company, set up in 2008, has doubled its workforce over the past three years.

One of those who joined in that period, Rebecca Price, has recently been promoted to the company’s sales team and is quickly making her mark.

The 27-year-old from Cwmbran joined the company in 2014, initially working in production, planning, internal sales and eventually and eventually an external business development.

“I had no idea about the full process involved in making packaging at the start of my time here,” Ms Price said.

“Working in different parts of the business has given me a real understanding of the products and means that I am better able to advise customers on what’s possible.

“I hadn’t considered a career in sales before joining Diamondpak, but the managers suggested it might suit me and it’s turned out to be the best job I’ve ever had,” she said.

Mr Davies explained that increasing demand for internet postal packaging and other specialist products was fuelling the company’s growth.

“Over the past few months we have been investing in new machinery to make our plant more efficient, which in turn has given us greater capacity and opportunities,” he said.

“While demand for ‘peal and seal’ book wraps is increasing, we are also securing more orders for point of sale products, through our Bristol plant PH Laminators, and large ‘pallet’ boxes.”

With support from Welsh Government’s ‘Skills Growth Wales’, the company offers its staff a range of training courses leading to recognised qualifications.

Last year, 35 staff members achieved qualifications through the scheme.