Removals firm Fox Group (Moving & Storage) Ltd celebrated the opening of a new £1m extensuion at its Cwmbran head office.

More than 100 colleagues, customers and suppliers gathered for the event at the premises on Somerset Road.

The 14,000 sq ft extension – designed by Buckle Chamberlain Architects and built by Henstaff Construction Ltd – will provide much needed additional office and storage space as well accommodating Fox’s vintage removal vehicles in an integral showroom.

The original Fox business was founded in Cwmbran by the late Roy Fox in 1971 and is still very much a family business.

Roy’s son Paul is now in his 40th year with the company and has been the company’s managing director since 1995.

His sons Daniel and Michael manage the Cwmbran and Cardiff branch operations respectively.

In his welcoming speech, Paul remembered his father and paid tribute to those early years in business when the foundations were laid down. The company had prospered through many changes and challenges, including multiple acquisitions of other family removals businesses. The dedication and professionalism of its loyal employees is key, several of whom had been with the company for over 25 years. Paul also thanked his staff for having to contend with the inevitable disruption caused by the building work over the past twelve months.

Guest of honour was the Mayor of Torfaen, Veronica Crick, who said she was delighted to see a local family business doing so well, providing an important service and employment for the people of Cwmbran. Fox are long term UK agents for the giant US Van Line Atlas and their International President Jim Gaw had travelled from Seattle to officially cut the ribbon.

After the speeches, guests were ushered outside, where the new warehouse shutters were slowly raised to the Star Wars ‘Space’ theme, accompanied by fireworks and a light show. After which the 100-strong crowd were surprised to find the Pontnewydd Male Voice Choir waiting and were treated to a rousing performance. This was a fitting climax to a milestone event for the South Wales company.

The Fox Group currently employs 150 staff at its eight locations around the UK and expects to transfer and recruit personnel for its Cwmbran head office in the coming months.

The company provides moving and storage services for domestic, international and business customers. It also is a main contractor, moving military forces families within the UK bases and internationally.