We are delighted to welcome Karen Williams into our Sales Team. Karen has much experience in Sales and Marketing in various sectors and has a very special connection with our newest addition to our multiple sites in Neath as she is the 3rd generation in her family to work on this local iconic building, MetalBox Neath.
The site, which extends to 55 acres, was occupied for more than 70 years by a metal box container factory know locally as “the Box”.
But since the Crown packaging company, closed in 2016 and laid off 245 staff members, the future of the historic building in Milland Road had seemed doubtful and it remained vacant for years.
However, the historic factory has now started to be transformed into a high finish offices and something that will last for years to come. Neath Port Talbot Council has been refurbishing the building’s interior to turn it into a “business zone”, with the aim of creating new jobs.
SLB expanded into this space in 2022 to provide meeting rooms, a showroom and to allow the Sales & marketing team space to expand.
‘My Grandmother worked as a supervisor during the war on this site , my Stepmother started in the Metal box at the age of 15 working in the typing pool, my stepfather worked here from college and completed his apprenticeship in toolmaking then worked as a Draughtsman, and then my Father worked here as Logistics Manager .
When I was a child, we used to come to watch my father play Cricket on the immaculate cricket pitch, there was a gang of children as all our fathers worked here and we used to be allowed to fish in the canal, for minnows and generally run around the ground whilst all the Mums were making sandwiches for the tea halfway through the match.
The main event I can remember here at the Metal Box was when as part of Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee 1977 celebrations Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh came to the factory as part of the visit to South Wales. I had a white dress with a red, white, and blue belt and I had my hair done in Gatsby’s on Angel Street. All employees’ children were invited, and they had erected a huge stand for us , we had flags and a sheet with songs we could sing. The Queen wasn’t here long, but it was a magical day, lots of pop and crisps no doubt !
We all received a commemorative metal box made here in the factory; I still have mine as do all my family.
The Metal box was one of the main places to work in Neath, there is something very familiar to myself about the building, and for many years when I lived in London and returned on the train , when I saw the Metal Box sign it was time to get my bag and get ready to get off the train, as I was home.
Therefore, now working here at the local and world renowned Safety Letterbox Company, it is great to be treading in the footsteps of previous generations’.
– Karen Williams
The Safety Letterbox Co Ltd was started in 1986 in Neath, South Wales and currently occupies multiple sites in Neath in close proximity, including factory, offices, meeting facilities and showroom. It is quite ironic that a metal mailbox manufacturer should occupy space in the MetalBox building.
We welcome the chance to discuss your project and we can share all that is current in terms of standards and product options totally free of charge.
Simply complete and submit the form and we will get back in touch to talk through your requirements.
We also provide Autocad drawings as required – it’s all part of the service!
We welcome the chance to discuss your project and we can share all that is current in terms of standards and product options totally free of charge.
Simply complete and submit the form and we will get back in touch to talk through your requirements.
We also provide Autocad drawings as required – it’s all part of the service!
