The paper produced at the site is converted into toilet and kitchen paper for the UK consumer market.

The new paper machine has a production capacity of 70,000 tons of tissue paper per year and is designed to produce hygiene paper products from virgin fibres, as well as 100% recycled fibres.

With its high energy efficiency, the new tissue machine sourced from manufacturer Valmet will also significantly contribute to cutting CO2 emissions and water usage.

The new paper machine is designed to produce the highest quality in terms of softness, strength, and absorbency.

The investment project includes new buildings to house stock preparation equipment and the new paper machine. In parallel, several converting projects have been executed including a new line for lotioned and perfumed bathroom tissue products.

Martin Krengel, CEO of the Wepa Group, said: “With the largest single investment in the history of the Wepa Group, we are further strengthening our claim to both technology leadership and market leadership for sustainable hygiene papers.

“To us it is important to foster market-orientation and to produce for our UK customers in their own country. The investment in Bridgend is an investment in the future and our long-term customer partnership.

“It strengthens our position in the UK market with highest benchmarks in sustainability and product quality and as part of the project we created over 50 new jobs.”

The workforce at the Bridgend site now amounts to 325 people.

The site, an integrated facility covering 75 acres, has been part of German business the Wepa Group since 2013, initially as a joint venture before being fully acquired in 2018.

With this investment, the Wepa Group said it has strengthened its competitive capability as one of the three largest European manufacturers in the hygiene paper market. With a total of 22 paper machines, the group has a production capacity of around 850,000 tons per year.