Darland High School, Rossett

In an exciting new phase of the school’s journey, they have joined forces with internationally renowned Canadian company TC Transcontinental,.

Chris Reed, vice president of global operations at Transcontinental Advanced Coatings is based at the company’s Wrexham site.

In a recent visit he brought with him a supply of state-of-the-art laptops the company has donated to the school.

Mr Reed explained TC Transcontinental have made a global pledge - between 2019 and end of 2021, to donate $5m in financial contributions, goods and services to organisations, projects and programmes that support the communities in which they operate.

Over recent years the company has worked supporting many Wrexham organisations, including Wrexham Foodbank and the National Trust at Erddig.

Mr Reed said: “The company, which was founded in Montreal in 1976 by Remi Marcoux, Claude Dubois and Andre Kingsley, still holds onto the same system of ethics and their commitment to the communities in which they operate.

"Over 40 years later they are still a great company to work for. Isabelle Marcoux, daughter of our founder who is now chair of the board, and president and CEO Francois Oliver continue to foster the same Canadian family values that were instilled at the beginning.

"This includes its commitment to the communities in which it operates, and that is what we are doing today with the donation of these laptops.”

The UK site based in Wrexham engineers and manufactures a number of high-tech specialist coating-products.

“Many people aren’t aware that these coatings exist, but they have a vital role in many modern technologies," explained Mr Reed.

"For example, we manufacture a coating which prevents glass shattering into tiny pieces on impact, which has significant health and safety advantages in homes and industry."

Darland headteacher, Joanne Lee said: “This is an exciting time for Darland High School, we are delighted to receive these laptops and thank Mr Reed and the company for the donation.

"The laptops will be provided to families to support with pupil learning over the long-term."

Dewi Owens-Jones, a senior member of staff responsible for transition and community links, said: “We are very excited to develop links with TC Transcontinental, our students will benefit from many exciting opportunities.

"Our primary-careers programme and our community programmes will be further strengthened with input of an international company of this stature."

TC Transcontinental and Darland High School will also be working together on careers projects, work experience placements and community events.