AN INVESTMENT worth millions will see hundreds of jobs created and a single manufacturing site based in Caerphilly.

BBI Group is set to expand and consolidate its UK manufacturing operations to a single site at Border Technology Park, in Crumlin, Caerphilly, following an £8.5 million investment which was supported by the Welsh Government.

The investment has not only safeguarded but will increase employment from 180 to 366 by 2020.

The company also believes that the investment - including a £1.8 million grant from the Welsh Government - will enable it to invest in a new plant and equipment, a system upgrade and create a “centre of excellence for multiple technology streams”.

The decision, however, will see its other development centres move from Blaenavon, Cardiff and Dundee to Caerphilly.

The BBI company offers a range of products and services that are  provided to the diagnostic, healthcare, research, defence and food industries globally.

Ken Skates, economy cabinet secretary, welcomed the news and 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.

“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 £1 million with supply chain companies. In addition, the fit out and alterations of the building will support around 75 jobs in the construction industry.”

Lyn Rees, who is chief executive officer of BBI Group, said: “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, allowing us to compete more effectively in our expanding markets across Europe, USA and China.”

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.”