In December 2023, the Council’s award-winning Vision Products officially turned 30. Vision Products is a supported business based in Pontyclun that offers meaningful support, training and employment opportunities for local people with disabilities to provide a diverse range of products and services to its customers.
In honour of their Pearl Anniversary, a celebration event was held in at their facility in Pontyclun. Vision Product’s longest serving employee recently planted a tree on site, symbolising the act of sowing seeds for the future and representing the growth that lies ahead. Additionally, another employee crafted a slate plaque outside the building, serving as a tribute to the past three decades.
Andrea Fleming, the longest standing employee of Vision Products, reflects on the start of Vision Products, saying: “When I started in January 1985, I was part of the Workshop for the Blind and Disabled in Treforest, there was also a second workshop in Llwynypia.
“We made Cardigans and Waistcoats for Wales, England, and Scotland Ladies Bowling Teams. The Blind operators operated the knitting machines to make the pieces, which was sent over to the knitwear department to put together. We made Thick Ribbed Jumpers for the Local Ambulance and Police Force.
“There was an Upholstery department and Black Bags were made to be sold to various councils. Windows were mostly made in Llwynypia at this point, at Treforest we had also started to manufacture Windows.
“In 1993 we amalgamated with Llwynypia, moved to our current building, and became Vision Products.”
Vision Products was established in 1993 as part of the former Mid Glamorgan County Council and initially offered knitting and tailoring services. Today, as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Vision Products supported business now offers a range of products and services, PVCu windows and doors manufacture, installation of lifelines and telecare, mobility-shops, a community equipment service, as well as servicing, repairs, and maintenance for a range of technology and equipment. Vision Products pride themselves on their high-quality service, reflected by their excellent reputation and customer satisfaction.
At present, Vision Products has a workforce of 96 individuals, many of whom have a disability. The dedicated staff at Vision Products are provided with support to enable them to develop their skills, gain independence, and flourish as individuals. Furthermore, Vision Products works in partnership to provide an apprenticeship scheme for young people with disabilities.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Vision Products is an award winning supported business that is part of the Council known for its high-quality service and dedicated workforce.
“Over the past thirty years, Vision Products has consistently offered excellent learning and development opportunities, providing sustainable employment to local people with disabilities. Their efforts have greatly contributed to enhancing the independence and well-being of their workforce.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Vision Products and its workforce for reaching this remarkable milestone, while also maintaining an outstanding level of service. The Council takes pride in your achievements, and I look forward to seeing your future achievements.”
In celebration of their 30-year milestone, the current team at Vision Products has undertaken a mural painting project creating a Tree of Diversity, with the help of a local mural artist, as part of the refurbishment of their canteen facility. All staff members contributed to the mural by individually painting their own leaf on the Tree of Diversity, signifying their personal representation.
Staff Members from Vision Products, said:
“Diversity doesn’t look like anyone. It looks like everyone. At Vision Product’s we not only care about the community, but also each other, making it an amazing place to work. Here’s to another 30 years.” ― Paula
“I enjoyed being involved and I like to look at the painting whilst in work.” ― Max
“I painted my leaf red as it is my favourite colour, and I can now look at it forever.” ― Josh
“I chose autumn colours and enjoyed working as part of a team to complete the mural.” ― David
“It will be there for the next 30 years; I enjoyed painting it.” ― Jason
The mural painting project was support by Community Murals CIC. For more information, please visit their website: https://www.communitymurals.org.uk/
For more information about Vision Products, please visit their website: https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/GetInvolved/VisionProducts/Home.aspx
Posted on 26/01/2024