Posted on: Tuesday 10 November 2020
Pontypool Indoor Market has recently welcomed a new trader, Woolfalls 3DP, a 3D printing company. The business is owned and run by Lewis Woolfall, a Pontypool resident, who set up the company in January 2020. Lewis specialises in making 3D printed products such as spare parts, collectables, artistic models and seasonal items with his various printers and computers.
Despite the current Coronavirus pandemic, the 21 year old received a COVID-19 start up grant from Torfaen County Borough Council which has allowed his business to grow. His business has grown so much, that he is now renting a stall in Pontypool Indoor Market as his business goes from strength to strength. He has already attracted new customers and new orders by relocating to the market during the last few weeks.
Commenting on how he got involved in the industry two years ago, Mr. Woolfall said: “I very quickly became amazed, and I’m still am amazed by what could be produced in a few hours with nothing more than a reel of plastic.
“I started out by making scale model railway exhibitions for events, but when Coronavirus hit all the exhibitions were cancelled. Although I did put my 3D printers to good use by making face visors. I delivered them to care homes and hospitals up and down the country.”
Although Pontypool Indoor Market seems like an unusual place to hear the humming noises of a 3D printer, for Mr Woolfall’s it’s a familiar territory. His grandparents owned RM & DL Rowlands fruit and veg stall for almost 20 years, and he fondly remembers visiting his grandparents during the hustle and bustle of market life. Now he continues the family tradition by renting a stall of his very own.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, executive member for economy, skills and regeneration, said: “It’s wonderful welcoming new traders to Pontypool Indoor Market, and it just goes to show that with determination, even during a pandemic, good things can still happen.
“We wish Woolfall 3DP the best of luck. It’s tough starting a new business, especially with the additional challenges Covid-19, so let’s shop local to keep them and all the indoor market businesses trading.”
You can visit Woolfall’s 3DP printing business at stall 27b in Pontypool Indoor Market, open Mondays 8am to 2pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 8am to 5pm and Saturdays 8am to 4pm.
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