Newbridge-based Axiom Manufacturing Services has gone the extra mile in its commitment to sustainable business practises by inviting a social enterprise to establish honeybee hives on the grounds of its facility.

Axiom Manufacturing Services has allowed Sirhowy Valley Honeybee Company to place two bee hives on the grounds surrounding its 300,000-square foot electronics manufacturing facility.

The hives are home to around 80,000 bees, which will now be able to feed in and pollinate the surrounding woodland area. The bees will be cared for by Sirhowy Valley and the honey produced will be sold to fund the enterprise’s community work, which includes the provision of workshops which allow school children to discover the ecological importance of bees.

One of the UK’s leading providers of specialist electronic manufacturer services, Axiom is recognised throughout the industry for its commitment to maintaining the highest standards sustainable business and manufacturing processes.

Linda Wallis, environmental officer at Axiom Manufacturing, said: “Ensuring sustainable business practises must be a core principle of all forward-thinking manufacturers. At Axiom, we believe that such endeavours should not be limited to our production processes, we owe that same duty to supporting our local environment and community.

“We are delighted to welcome and sponsor Sirhowy Valley and look forward to seeing the hives prosper for the benefit of our local ecosystem.”

In addition to establishing and maintaining hives across the region, Sirhowy Valley Honeybee Company also provide local schools and members of the public the opportunity to visit its education centre and apiary.

Lorne East, from Sirhowy Valley Honeybee Company, said: “The support of companies like Axiom is crucial to our work. Bees are vital element of our ecosystem and the two hives we have established here house approximately 40,000 bees each. That number is set to increase by spring of 2018 and their success could see us double the number of hives on site. We’re grateful to be working with a great local business like Axiom that set an example for environmentally minded companies.”