Alun Cairns addresses Welsh manufacturing sector

Mr Cairns declared that manufacturers in Wales must think global and capitalise on the opportunities presented by overseas markets.

Speaking at the event at SPTS Technologies in Newport, Mr Cairns said that the “world-leading skills and knowledge we have here in Wales is envied the world over”.

He called on Welsh manufactures of all sizes to seize the support available from the UK government to identify opportunities to sell their products in global markets.

The manufacturing sector in Wales comprises more than 5,000 companies, employing around 150,000 people.

The sector is still growing with 22,000 more jobs in the sector in Wales than in 2010.

Mr Cairns added: “Today’s event gives me another great opportunity to hear about various businesses’ priorities for our EU exit.

“We are absolutely committed to achieving a deal which works for every region in the UK, which is why it is vital that we continue to speak with businesses and organisations from across the country to ensure their views are fully represented as we move through the negotiations.”