Jobs being created by two local companies
A CUTTING-EDGE science company is bringing an employment boost to South Wales with the creation of nearly 50 jobs.
The workers will be taken on by medical diagnostics company Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (Ortho) at its Pencoed facility.
Backed with £900,000 in business finance from the Welsh Government, the investment will help the company as it competes on the global stage.
Ortho makes devices that test for a variety of diseases, conditions and substances. The technology can also match blood to ensure blood transfusion recipients get compatible blood. Its products are used by hospitals, blood banks and laboratories in more than 125 countries.
Rising demand, particularly in China, means the firm will open a new production line in 2018, with the option of another by 2020.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Wales’ dynamic life sciences sector continues to go from strength to strength and I am de- lighted to announce this funding which will help create nearly 50 new jobs.”
Paul Hales, senior director at Ortho, said: “At Ortho, our purpose is to improve and save lives through diagnostics.
“A secure and consistent supply of high-quality product is at the core of that purpose, and we are delighted to be increasing our production capabilities to meet the ever rising demand for our products.
“We are grateful for the continuing support of the Welsh Government.”
And in another piece of good news for the area, a Bridgend-based company has won a contract potentially worth £9m, which will see it creating 18 new jobs and expanding its premises.
2buy2, a professional procurement company that helps organisations secure better value for money, has won a fouryear contract with the Department for Education to help schools in the north West of England.
The initial phase of the contract (pilot) will engage 900 schools in the first 15 months and is targeted to deliver £3.2m in savings. If the pilot is successful, then the contract could eventually include more than 3,000 schools.
The company will employ up to 18 new staff to help deliver the scheme, 14 of who will be based in its HQ at the Sony Technology Centre in Bridgend, where it will also increase its office space by 40%.
Rob Kissick, founder and chief executive of 2buy2, said: “This is a fantastic contract for us that will facilitate our expansion and allow us to create a number of high quality jobs in the region.
“We are delighted to be participating in a scheme that could make such a big difference to the education system in the UK, freeing up money to plough into other educational resources.”
The business gives 10% of its net profits to charities chosen by its staff every year.