A Welshpool business, which has strengthened its status as one of the UK’s leading panel laminators by transforming its manufacturing capability, has won a coveted award for technology and innovation.
Morland, which has 106 employees on Buttington Cross Enterprise Park, received the Technology & Innovation Award, sponsored by SudoCyber, at the prestigious Powys Business Awards.
Held at The Infantry Battle School, Dering Lines, Brecon last Friday, the awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG).
Rachel Jones, director of corporate administration at Morland, said:
“We are thrilled to have won this award. It’s an amazing opportunity to have won because we are definitely a growth business that invests in our future.”
The company went on to win the Business of the Year 2026 Award later in the evening.
Having supplied decorative laminated panels to a wide range of sectors, including leisure, modular construction and marine, for many years, Morland identified a significant gap in its product offering in 2023.
The company was unable to manufacture wrapped-edge panels in a commercially viable way, despite increasing demand from customers. Wrapped-edge panels offer extra durability, improved protection against handling damage, superior aesthetics and a cleaner finished appearance.
Morland formed an ECO2 project team which, after two years of planning, has delivered a flexible, high speed manufacturing system capable of producing wrapped-edge plasterboard, plywood and MDF.
New manufacturing equipment and a bespoke panel handling system have integrated seamlessly in a production line that has improved efficiency. Morland employees, who contributed throughout the project, have been trained to use the advanced automated manufacturing technology.
The ECO2 project has expanded product capability, improved manufacturing efficiency, increased flexibility, enhanced quality and consistency and future-proofed the business.
The highly automated ECO2 line enables Morland to manufacture wrapped-edge panels, a product which was previously unavailable.
The company can now process a range of substrates such as plywood, MDF and plasterboard much more efficiently in a range of thicknesses from 2mm to 44mm, significantly increasing manufacturing flexibility.
Lisa Andrew, head of customer success, added:
“The ECO2 line has transformed Morland’s manufacturing capability. Most importantly, it has strengthened Morland’s position as an innovative UK manufacturer and provided a foundation for continued investment in advanced manufacturing, product development and customer-focused solutions for years to come.”
The judges praised Morland for putting technology and innovation at the heart of the business.
“They have demonstrated that everyone in the company can play a part in innovating a brighter future and that real success comes when you are able to involve external stakeholders in the process,” they added.
Runners-up were: Cleobury Project Management Ltd, Knighton and Beacons Business Interiors Ltd, Brecon.
