Major employer in Bridgend to create 49 new jobs with help from Welsh Government

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

Ortho 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 more than 125 countries and territories.

Ortho 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.

The Life Sciences Sector in Wales, of which Ortho is a key player, has some 350 companies that employ 11,000 people. The Welsh Government founded the Life Sciences Hub in 2014 to support the sector and encourage collaboration between universities, academics, private companies and investors.

Speaking ahead of a visit to the company, First Minister 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.”