News
Mustang’s strong order book prompts recruitment
A WORKBOAT and marine renewable energy device builder that transformed its fortunes following fresh investment is celebrating a flying start to 2015. Mustang Marine, which builds rugged, reliable workboats and marine renewable energy devices, was bought out of administration in May 2014 by a group of nine investors, and has completed a broad range of orders in what was a successful second half of 2014. Now under a new ownership and management structure, the rejuvenated Pembroke Dock-based firm is actively recruiting skilled workers and apprentices to meet a busy work schedule going into the New Year.
Over the last six months, Mustang Marine has created 12 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to 42 people. The company is looking to recruit a further 18 employees by mid-2015, doubling its original workforce. Captain Mark Meade, chairman of Mustang Marine, said: “We’re very pleased to see a business known for its excellent workboats meet the initial targets that the new management team set in mid-2014.
“Our investors recognised that there was a successful core to the business based on a reputation for quality and a proud heritage in marine engineering that stretches back more than 30 years.” Captain Meade, who is also the managing director of Holyhead Boatyard, added: “Over 90 per cent of the current shareholding in Mustang Marine came from new sources, and together we’ve worked hard to produce a business plan that focuses on sustainable growth and investment in our workforce.
“We’re on course to achieve the objectives we set for our first year, and have ambitious plans for the longer term.” In 2014, Mustang Marine fulfilled several challenging contracts, including the launch of the 26m offshore support vessel Dart Fisher, and delivery of a tidal energy device that will be tested off Ramsey Sound during 2015.
Steady repair, servicing and maintenance work on the company’s four slipways has also contributed to the company’s success. Current contracts include a new 20m BMT Nigel Gee design wind farm support vessel and a £250,000 multi-purpose workboat fit-out. Contracts lined up include a range of steel and aluminium workboats for customers in the UK, Europe and Asia, continuing the brand’s tradition of exporting internationally.
Stewart Graves, managing director of Mustang Marine, said: “One of the crucial factors has been the variety of work we’ve seen come in over the last six months. “The excellent workforce that we have been able to maintain has a comprehensive base of marine engineering skills and a depth of experience, which has helped us meet these challenging projects.
“We employ a naval architect, design engineers and skilled fabricators, welders, electricians, shipwrights and fitters. Now we’re about to start recruiting project and design engineers, as well as skilled tradesmen, to meet the programme of work that we have lined up for 2015. “We’re also looking into apprenticeship opportunities, and ultimately aim to have an apprentice for each of the skilled trades we employ in our workforce.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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