A BUSINESS which produces wheel balance weights is celebrating the completion of a new extension at its Mid Wales headquarters.

Award-winning Trax, based on the Mochdre Enterprise Park, Newtown, is one of the biggest balance weight producers in Europe, exporting to more than 25 countries.

The firm, named Business of the Year in 2017, is growing and has recently completed the acquisition of a new company, Tyre Protector, which is being integrated into its Newtown plant.

Managing director Adam Watkin, said the addition of Tyre Protector and the continued growth of Trax meant more capacity was needed – so Welshpool-based SWG Construction was appointed to design and build an extension at the firm’s headquarters.

Mr Watkin said: “Even with the difficulties posed by the coronavirus outbreak, it’s been an extremely busy 12 months, so we were in great need of more space.

“The new extension increases our capacity and we are looking forward to continued growth and success.”

Nigel Stephens, commercial director of SWG Group, said: “This was a major construction which required a fair amount of forward planning in order for Trax to keep working at maximum efficiency while we were doing the work.

“As with many of our projects, we were working in a live environment which means being considerate with our logistical arrangements, such as coordinating work around important deliveries arriving from China and keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.

“The project required the construction of a steel portal frame, involving extensive groundwork and the use of innovative materials to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

“Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important and something more people are viewing as an essential part of any building or renovation project – something we are very passionate about ourselves.

“It’s great to see a local company like Trax doing so well and we wish them all the very best for their future.”