Treforest - Treforest Estate

Treforest Estate

The Treforest Trading estate, later renamed Treforest Industrial Estate, originated with the formation of the 'South Wales and Monmouthshire Trading Estates Ltd.' in June 1936. This non-profit making company aimed to establish one or more trading estates in Wales, and the first sod was cut on 29 December 1936. By the end of 1937, three small factories had been completed and occupied. The first building contract awarded was a large factory for the British Coated Board and Paper Company Ltd (Wiggins Teape).

During World War 2, the factories on the estate played a major role in the war effort and national economy; many buildings were requisitioned by the Government and their occupants re-housed in makeshift buildings away from the estate. Extensions and new factories were built by Government departments.

Many of the companies on the estate were established by businesspeople who had arrived as refugees from nazi-dominated Europe. They had often been able to bring money and equipment with them.

By 1944, almost 16,000 people were being employed on the Estate. In 1960, the Estate came under the control of the 'Welsh Industrial Estates Corporation' and later the Welsh Development Agency.

Companies which have operated factories on the estate include BOAC, Aero Zip, Metal Alloys Ltd, Finetex Ltd, Ford. (Please expand this List)