Welsh site to make London 2012 Olympic medals

The Royal Mint in Pontyclun said the final design remained under wraps. Louise Terry, training manager at the Royal Mint told WM: "It's shrouded in secrecy at the moment...everybody that's working on the Olympic team when they start making the medals will be working in our secure unit so nobody can see it." The Royal Mint is already producing the commemorative coins for the games next year. The contract to supply medals includes winners and voluntary awards. The deal is not for profit but means the 2012 Olympic medals will carry the Royal Mint's signature. "We went for the contract from a prestige point of view," added Terry. The deal came as George Osborne MP officially opened two new nickel plating production facilities at the Royal Mint. The £16.5 million plant will double the Royal Mint's nickel plating production capacity to about 15,000 tonnes per annum. The Royal Mint supplies coins to over 60 countries as well as producing commemorative coins and military medals. Osborne said: "As a manufacturer, exporter and employer based in South Wales, the Royal Mint is a real British success story. I'm proud to open this new facility which will allow the Royal Mint to build on this success."