The new factory for Astra opened in Bridgend, UK, on Wednesday to a specially-invited guest list headed by directors from the company's parent, Novomatic in Austria, suppliers, major customers and the trade press.
The ceremony was conducted by the First Minister at the Welsh Assembly, the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan, who spoke to the assembled guests about the importance in a market place such as the gaming machine industry of ‘clusters’ of companies interacting with one another and providing a nucleus of skilled workforce. He unveiled a commemorative plaque.
Morgan was introduced by Astra managing director Neil Chinn, who referred to the commitment made by the Austrian parent to the UK and European market with the investment in Astra since it purchased the company three years ago.
