Brace’s Bakery, a cherished family-run business in the Welsh valleys, has announced the closure of its Blackwood factory on Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate. Rising costs and changing demands in the bread market have made this tough decision unavoidable. Thankfully, the majority of the staff from this site will be relocated just a mile away to the Croespenmaen facility, but, unfortunately, under 20 jobs will be lost.
The bakery’s director, Jonathan Brace, highlighted the intense market competition, with big names like Morrison’s and Allied Bakeries also facing challenges. Despite this, Brace’s is determined to continue thriving, shifting focus to their Croespenmaen site, which specialises in both traditional and artisanal baked goods.
But don’t worry, bread lovers—your favourite loaves, Welsh cakes, and more will still be available! This shake-up is viewed as a reset for the company, positioning them to meet new market demands and secure their legacy for another 123 years. While this marks the end of an era for one factory, the bakery family has ambitious plans for fresh product launches and exploring new customer bases to ensure a brighter future. It’s all about adapting and evolving for Brace’s to keep bringing you the best bakes from Wales! 🍞🍰