First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced that Ortho Clinical Diagnostics will receive up to £960,000 in business finance funding from the Welsh Government that will help create forty nine new jobs.

The Welsh Government reports the investment will help the company as it competes on a global stage, by increasing production capability at the Pencoed plant.

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics is a global leader of in vitro diagnostics, supplying sophisticated technologies that test for a variety of diseases, conditions, and substances, and match blood to ensure that blood transfusion recipients receive appropriate and compatible blood. Ortho serves hospitals, blood banks and laboratories in over one hundred and twenty five countries and territories. The company has ramped up production significantly to keep up with increasing customer needs, particularly in China, and will add a further production line in 2018 with an option for another by 2020.

Carwyn Jones said “Wales’ dynamic life sciences sector continues to go from strength to strength – and I am delighted 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.”