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200 jobs created at medical firm 200 jobs created at medical firm
(30 minutes later)
Up to 200 jobs are being created with the expansion of a biotech plant on the site of an old slate quarry in Gwynedd.Up to 200 jobs are being created with the expansion of a biotech plant on the site of an old slate quarry in Gwynedd.
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has announced a major expansion of its manufacturing and distribution operation in Llanberis.Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has announced a major expansion of its manufacturing and distribution operation in Llanberis.
The German-owned firm is expected to create the jobs over two years, adding to a current staff of over 300 people. The German-owned firm is expected to create the jobs over two years, adding to a current staff of over 300.
The expansion was welcomed by Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams, who said it was "great news for the area". Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said it was one of the most significant private sector investments in the area.
Mr Williams added: "These are good jobs, jobs with good prospects, with a company that has been established in the area for years. "The decision by the Siemens board to concentrate manufacturing at Llanberis is a truly remarkable tribute to the quality of the local team and a telling testimonial to the competitiveness of Wales as a great place to do business," said Mr Jones, who is also Minister for the Economy and Transport.
"It shows that it is possible to get high quality companies, and jobs to come to the north and the north west and give an economic boost to the people there".
It shows that if it's possible to do this on the slopes of Snowdonia, then it's possible to do this anywhere in Wales. Dafydd WigleyIt shows that if it's possible to do this on the slopes of Snowdonia, then it's possible to do this anywhere in Wales. Dafydd Wigley
"We will now continue our work with the company to support their recruitment, training and up-skilling and ensure smooth and effective delivery of these ambitious expansion plans.
"In the longer term, this decision by a world leading company to supply international markets from north-west Wales is clear recognition of the competitiveness and quality of Welsh locations and Welsh workers."
The plant makes "reagents," used on blood analysers in hospitals worldwide to diagnose medical conditions.The plant makes "reagents," used on blood analysers in hospitals worldwide to diagnose medical conditions.
Steve Britton, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics managing director, said: "We plan to double our production capability by hiring new employees and adding highly-automated equipment without expanding the footprint of the facility" Steve Britton, the company's managing director, said: "We plan to double our production capability by hiring new employees and adding highly-automated equipment without expanding the footprint of the facility"
Mr Britton said the new jobs will range from semi-skilled shop-floor staff right through to scientific operations.
World perspective
"It will secure the operations here at this site certainly for the medium to long term."
Siemens Healthcare is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry.Siemens Healthcare is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry.
The company was formerly known as Euro/DPC and was owned by Los Angeles-based Diagnostics Products Corporation, but was acquired by Siemens about a year ago.The company was formerly known as Euro/DPC and was owned by Los Angeles-based Diagnostics Products Corporation, but was acquired by Siemens about a year ago.
Dafydd Wigley, the former Caernarfon MP and Plaid Cymru president who is now chairman of the Business School at Bangor University, also welcomed the expansion. Dafydd Wigley, the former Caernarfon MP and Plaid Cymru president who is now chairman of the Business School at Bangor University, welcomed the expansion.
Mr Wigley, who was formerly chair of the company which merged to form the original factory on the site in 1992, said it showed that "people are willing to invest from a world perspective to invest in Wales".Mr Wigley, who was formerly chair of the company which merged to form the original factory on the site in 1992, said it showed that "people are willing to invest from a world perspective to invest in Wales".
He said: "What this shows is what's possible when a local person starts something with their own initiative.He said: "What this shows is what's possible when a local person starts something with their own initiative.
"And they attract people from the area to give them financial backing, and attract local people with relevant skills and the thing has grown to feed an international market."And they attract people from the area to give them financial backing, and attract local people with relevant skills and the thing has grown to feed an international market.
"And it shows that if it's possible to do this on the slopes of Snowdonia, then it's possible to do this anywhere in Wales.""And it shows that if it's possible to do this on the slopes of Snowdonia, then it's possible to do this anywhere in Wales."
Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams said: "It shows that it is possible to get high quality companies, and jobs to come to the north and the north west and give an economic boost to the people there".