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Castell Howell

Castell Howell

Behind the scenes at Castell Howell

Castell Howell Foods Ltd is one of Wales' main food distributors. We've all seen their lorries on the roads and now they've opened their doors to the S4C cameras.

In three special programmes, starting on Monday 2 July, the series Castell Howell takes us behind the scenes at the company which has its headquarters in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire.

From the fridges of the distribution centres to the Managing Director's office - we'll meet the staff and see the hard work needed to keep the company going.

"We're very proud of what we've created and what we've established as a business," says Martin Jones, son of owner Brian Jones. "But it hasn't happened over night. It's taken 20 years and more."

Castell Howell Foods is a family business with Brian the boss running the company with his ex-wife Liz and their children Kathryn and Martin, who have helped since they were children.

The company started back in 1985 when Brian converted one of the chicken sheds on the farm into a freezer. It has grown from very humble beginnings when Brian would be on the road every day collecting orders and then returning the following day to deliver the goods.

"We went through some tough times at the start, but we came through it," says Brian. "We've found ourselves in several corners, but we managed to get out every time."

Brian adds that his positive attitude towards business is what brought them through the worst and now Castell Howell Foods has a turnover of £70 million.

"If an opportunity arises then I take it. I don't sit back for two weeks thinking it over - I just go for it," explains Brian.

In the first programme, we get to know the family and their role in the business. We also meet some of the other characters among the staff including John Elias one of the army of drivers. We also meet Edward Morgan, one of the company's most experienced sellers who specialises in promoting Welsh produce.