V.

Economy

With the closure of the coal mines, the mainstay of the economy since the 19th century, the area has turned to other forms of employment. The manufacture of metal goods and of vehicles is of importance, as are the service industries, including hotels, catering, and distribution. There is also some light manufacturing. The chainworks established at Pontypridd in 1816 made the gigantic ships' chains for famous liners such as the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. The town was badly hit by the depression of the 1930s; as part of an effort to regenerate the area, large industrial estates have been built and new industries brought in. Pontypridd is now an important service centre for the county borough.