A leading biotech healthcare firm is to relocate its operations to Crumlin as part of a multimillion-pound investment backed by the Welsh Government.
BBI Group, which offers a range of services to the diagnostic and research healthcare industry, is currently headquartered in Cardiff and has manufacturing sites in Blaenavon, Cardiff and Dundee.
As part of an £8.5 million investment deal, supported by a £1.8m Welsh Government grant, the company will centralise all of its operations to the Border Technology Park in Crumlin – creating a new global headquarters.
The investment will see the company’s Welsh workforce increase from 180 to 366 by 2020.
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, welcomed the news.
He said: “BBI Group is a made-in-Wales success story; a highly successful company and a strategically important player in the life science sector globally.
“I am particularly pleased Welsh Government support helped secure this significant investment for Wales. Founded in 1986 as a Cardiff University spin out, BBI Group has grown to become a £60m turnover company and this expansion project will secure the company’s long term sustainable future in Wales.
“It will not only create and safeguard a significant number of high quality jobs but will also support the local economy through an annual spend of more than £1m with supply chain companies.
“In addition, the fit out and alterations of the building will support around 75 full-time jobs in the construction industry.”
BBI Group CEO Lyn Rees, added: “This investment represents a significant step towards realising our strategic goals. Through investing in our manufacturing footprint in Wales we are increasing our capacity to support long-term growth.
“Our new state-of-the-art facility in Crumlin will allow us to operate more efficiently and to a higher regulatory standard, giving us the pedigree to compete more effectively in our expanding markets across Europe, USA and China.
“It also has excellent links to the M4 corridor and Cardiff International Airport.
“We’re excited to embark on this new phase in the company’s growth, and sincerely grateful for the assistance provided by Welsh Government, Cardiff Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council.”
Alan Peterson, chairman of BBI Group board, added: “We are extremely pleased to announce this additional investment in the BBI Group.
“I would like to particularly thank the First Minister Carwyn Jones, cabinet secretary Ken Skates and Chris Evans MP for their support during our funding application.
“We look forward to many more years of continued expansion in Wales.”
Islwyn MP, Chris Evans said the move showed confidence in the area.
He said: “They will now join other hugely successful companies including General Dynamics, Axiom, and many others who are continuing to thrive, expand and create much-needed jobs in the constituency.
“I look forward to welcoming BBI Group to their new facility and I hope other companies will come to see Islwyn and the wider region as a world-class hub for high-tech manufacturing.”