Radnor Hills expansion highlights sector’s investment in future workforce
A WELSH Government-backed skills programme is helping food and drink businesses invest in their workforce as the sector heads into 2026 with renewed momentum.
The Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme is focused on strengthening workforce development and building a resilient, future-ready industry.
Since launching last year, its dedicated jobs portal, Food and Drink Jobs Wales, has advertised 3,322 vacancies. The platform has been accessed by more than 1,271 employers, with 629 active roles currently available, offering opportunities across Wales’ expanding food and drink sector.
Rhiain Williams, Marketing Officer for the programme, said it was designed to support employers to plan, train and grow.
“Our programme is designed to help employers in the food and drink sector plan, train and grow, ensuring they have access to the skilled workforce they need to thrive,” she said.
“Through Food and Drink Jobs Wales, we’re giving businesses a direct and effective route to job seekers who are actively exploring new or different career opportunities within the industry.”
One company benefitting from the initiative is Radnor Hills, the independent soft drinks manufacturer based in Knighton, Powys. The family-owned firm produces more than 350 million drinks each year using spring water sourced from its own boreholes.
Radnor Hills has been at the forefront of Tetra Pak innovation for over a decade and, in 2018, became the first company in Europe to install a 125ml Prism Pack line designed for young children. Demand for its products has continued to grow, recently boosted by a major collaboration with Disney, which launched with Stitch-themed cartons and plans for further character releases.
In 2025, the company installed a new high-speed Tetra Pak line, officially opened in September. The state-of-the-art equipment increases carton production capacity by 150 per cent, producing up to 30,000 units per hour. The multi-million-pound investment also improves energy efficiency and reduces labour intensity while significantly increasing output.
The expansion is creating more than 20 new skilled roles, including line runners, forklift drivers and positions in sales and marketing. Existing staff have also upskilled into new roles through ongoing on-site training delivered in partnership with Tetra Pak engineers.
The Food & Drink Skills Wales programme has worked closely with Radnor Hills on workforce planning, training and recruitment. The company is now promoting its vacancies through the Food and Drink Jobs Wales platform to attract candidates from across the country.
Simon Knight, Managing Director of Radnor Hills, said the new production line marked a significant milestone.
“Our new Tetraline is a major step forward for Radnor Hills and reflects our commitment to ongoing innovation, efficiency and growth,” he said.
“As we expand, having the right skills and the right people is crucial. The support from the Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme has been invaluable, particularly in helping us reach new candidates through the Food and Drink Jobs Wales noticeboard.”
Through targeted training in areas such as sustainability, leadership, innovation and digital transformation, the programme aims to ensure Welsh food and drink businesses are equipped to grow and compete in the years ahead.
The initiative forms part of the Welsh Government’s long-term strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of the sector, particularly in processing and manufacturing, supporting businesses to innovate and thrive well into the future.
