Business

Welsh trailer firm hooks up with Celtic cousin

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2024

A WELSH trailer maker has hooked up with a Celtic cousin to form a new partnership.

Cornwall Farm Machinery has been appointed as a distributor for Ifor Williams Trailers (IWT) which has a global reach through its market-leading products.

Rob Hattam, the general manager of Cornwall Farm Machinery, said the tie-up makes great business sense because of the shared interests and overlapping customer base of the two companies.

Formed in 2010 and about to mark its 15th anniversary next year, Cornwall Farm Machinery has become a ‘go-to’ dealership for the agricultural community right across the county.

It has built a solid reputation for supplying tractors, walk-behind mowers, balers, fertiliser-spreaders, rakes, quadbikes and other top brand farm accessories.

Rob said: “We offer the best machines in the business. Farmers’ livelihoods depend on the reliability of the machines we supply so it’s important that we provide them with the names they know they can trust.

“The addition of Ifor Williams Trailers range to our repertoire can only reinforce that confidence. We’re very excited to be working together with the IWT team.”

The Ifor Williams Trailers products will be sold from Cornwall Farm Machinery’s main depot in Truro, conveniently located off a main road at Carland.

It will be the official supplier for the large central and southern areas of Cornwall.

The company also operates a parts outlet for agricultural machines based in Longrock, Penzance, and it has a Country Store at the Truro depot supplying equine, pet, clothing and footwear, tools and hardware, garden and Stihl products.

Like IWT it is an independent family-owned firm, employing a 19-strong workforce offering the complete package from initial inquiry to sales and after-sales support services.

It is a key business for the county in which recent figures revealed 33,000 people are employed in the agri-food sector, double the average rate for other counties in England.

Rob, who has been with Cornwall Farm Machinery for eight years, is delighted that they have joined Ifor Williams Trailers’ 50-strong network of distributors across the UK.

IWT has global reach with its market-leading products – made in its six factories in Denbighshire and Flintshire, in North Wales. They are sold in outlets across Europe and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

First established in 1958, it is Britain’s largest manufacturer of trailers up to 3500kg gross weight, delivering trailers for a wide variety of purposes.

It invests heavily in research and development to produce the most sought after trailers designed to meet the needs of real people doing real jobs.

The best-selling IWT range includes livestock, horsebox, general duty, tipper, plant, flatbed and box van trailers, as well as car transporters and pick-up canopies. Its customer base is also wide, encompassing farmers, show jumpers, tree surgeons, builders and plumbers.

Its products are used by market traders, community organisations and on occasions charitable causes and even hot air balloonists.

Its network of UK distributors is bolstered by a growing number of overseas distribution agents with exports now accounting for about a quarter of IWT sales.

Rob Hattam said the IWT brand is synonymous with quality and professionalism: “They are without doubt a market leader at home and abroad. You will see their trailers wherever you go in the world.

“Professionalism and product reliability are so important to us here at Cornwall Farm Machinery and that’s why it is mutually beneficial for us to work closely together.

“We’re delighted to hear that Ifor Williams Trailers have invested £10 million in creating a new Genuine Parts Hub which will have a huge impact in terms of the rapid delivery of genuine spare parts.

“The IWT range also fits seamlessly with other products we distribute like the internationally renowned Case IH tractors brand, also known for their robust quality.

“Becoming an official Ifor Williams Trailers distributor dovetails nicely with everything else we are about, our existing customer base is a perfect match for the IWT range and it is a big draw for new customers.

“We are really excited about this new partnership because there is so much potential to build on. Ultimately our aim is to provide the agricultural community in Cornwall with the machines which exactly meet all their needs.

“We will be supplying most customers from stock for the wide product range of trailers, so waiting times for all model variants will be minimal and we will have quick access to the Genuine Parts at competitive prices.

“The exceptionally high quality of their range is reflected in the unsurpassed high trade in values secured when customers part exchange their old Ifor Williams trailer for a new Ifor Williams trailer.

“The reliability of their trailers coupled with their attention to detail in design and manufacturing, has ensured that generations of families have chosen Ifor Williams Trailers as their preferred trailer brand, time and time again.”

Ifor Williams Trailers sales manager Lois Wynne is delighted that they have signed up Cornwall Farm Machinery as their newest distributor.

She said: “We’re delighted to be working with the progressive and positive sales team led by Rob Hattam at Cornwall Trailer Centre, the new subsidiary of Cornwall Farm Machinery.

“This is a flagship company in Cornwall, deservedly very successful and with an admirably professional approach to all that they do.

“From our perspective they’re well-known for the high standard of their customer service which gives us the confirmation and confidence that they will look after our customers exceptionally well.

“We already have a distributor in the north of Cornwall and now it is time to invigorate our presence in the mid to south areas. Cornwall Farm Machinery is ideal for helping us achieve that task, well located in Truro, with easy highly visible access.

“This is an exciting opportunity for both parties to grow sales and expand on our already enviable reputations for first class products and first class service.”

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

10 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

14 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

21 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.