A new �1m meat processing plant has been opened in north Wales on Friday.

The factory, based at Caernarfon, is expected to bring an important boost to the area's economy and the farming industry.

Iolo Povey : better times ahead for beef

Local businesses have welcomed the opening of the facility at the Cibyn Industrial Estate, which has been set up with the help of Welsh Assembly Government funds.

Cwmni Cig Arfon slaughters almost 400 cattle a week just a few yards away from the new plant.

But, up until now a large percentage of the meat has been taken over the border to England to be processed.

With increasing consumer pressure to cut down the number of miles food travels between farm and plate, local producers look set to benefit greatly from the new business.

Setbacks

At present, 15 people are employed, but there are plans to double the number by Christmas.

Iolo Povey, of Cwmni Cig Arfon, said the company was now looking towards a brighter future, following the UK-wide industry setbacks caused by foot-and-mouth.

"I think we have gone over the last hurdle, and we are now looking ahead," he said.

"The beef industry will only get better."