Senior politicians view modular hospital ward at Port Talbot factory

Staff at the Wernick Buildings factory have given a demonstration of a new four-bed hospital ward constructed at the firm’s premises on the Kenfig Industrial Estate in Port Talbot.

The hospital ward, offering a high quality environment for healthcare professionals and patients, was created using Wernick’s latest modular building system known as HMflex.

Modular construction is the process of using modules manufactured in a factory environment which are transported to site and connected together to form a complete building. This method of construction has many advantages over traditional build techniques.

Those who viewed the demonstration on Friday, July 2nd, included Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock and Cllr Ted Latham, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, along with members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s business, regeneration and economic development teams.

Aberavon MP Mr Kinnock said: “I was honoured to be able to see first-hand the incredible hi-tech work of one of Port Talbot’s major employers. It is fantastic that our constituency is home to such well-established firms leading the way on the national stage.

“I was also thrilled to hear about Wernick’s plans for expansion and long term career opportunities companies like theirs are providing for the people of our community.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Latham, added: “We were given a wonderful welcome at the factory which is the base for what is a sophisticated construction process bringing jobs and investment to the County Borough and we wish Wernick every success in the future.”

Wernick’s new HMflex building system is specifically designed with the healthcare sector in mind, providing wards and clinical spaces via standardised layouts. The new system can deliver a four-bed ward fully compliant with health and building regulations in just two units.

This means a four-bed ward can be delivered, installed and ready for fit-out in as little as 24 hours.

Carl Curtis, Operations Manager at Wernick Buildings, said: “From compliancy to speed, HMflex is specifically designed with the needs and requirements of the healthcare sector in mind. The demonstration ward presents and emphasises the benefits modular construction can offer the NHS and other healthcare providers.”

Cllr Annette Wingrave Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development, said: “Wernick Buildings is just the kind of company we like to support in Neath Port Talbot. The Council is committed to supporting local companies and it is a pleasure to see such innovation and success.”

Following the closure of the demonstration ward, the units will be transported to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth where they will complete a new 78 ward building.  Established in 1934, Wernick is proud to be the most established modular building provider in the UK.

Neath Port Talbot Council has supported Wernick Buildings in a number of ways including giving the company assistance with grant applications towards capital equipment and software.