Innovia Films is one of those companies that is not known by name to most people although all of us are aware of their products. If you live in Wigton then you will certainly know of Innovia and there's a very good chance that you or a family member is employed at "The Factory". I found it incredibly heartening to be in a town that was built on prosperity from actually making a real product. I grew up in Kendal, which had a similar relationship with K Shoes and IBIS (Laundry machine manufacturer) Both industries gone now.
Incidentally, if you travel the world and come across polymer based banknotes then the base material was probably manufactured in Wigton.
Innovia uses large quantities of energy and water, both of which have increased in price in recent years. Cumbria is being asked to accept one or more nuclear power stations and we should be driving a hard bargain for this, including a measure of support for such companies as Innovia.
R&D is an essential part of a fast moving industry and the picture shows the R&D department - the production facility is nearby.
I began my working career as an apprentice at British Aircraft Corporation and later spent a year working for IBIS. There's a special satisfaction in "making things" and in seeing a modern factory providing employment in Penrith and The Border.
