The start of work was officially launched today (Thursday June 22) at a ground breaking event with Economy Secretary Ken Skates, Qioptiq MD Peter White and representatives from Read Construction which secured the design and build contract.

The Welsh Government is investing £1.7m to build the 24,900 sq. ft. secure facility on land it owns adjacent to Qioptiq’s existing premises on St Asaph Business Park. The development is due to be completed by the end of the year when Qioptiq will lease the building and invest c£2m in fit out, security and IT systems, bringing the total investment to £3.7m.

Ken Skates said: 

“Winning this key contract was a huge coup for the company and for Wales and reflects the expertise of its highly skilled workforce. It’s great to see work is now underway as this expansion will create on-going economic benefits for the region and secure the long term sustainable future of this advanced manufacturing company in Wales.

“Excelitas’ Qioptiq is a key Anchor company, a major employer in North Wales and one of the most innovative and dynamic businesses in Wales. The Welsh Government supported Qioptiq’s successful bid from the early pre-qualification stage and our continued support and investment in these new facilities will ensure the company has the capacity it needs to deliver such a significant contract.”

Under the six year MoD contract Qioptiq will be the sole strategic supplier for the MoD’s entire fleet of Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment – it will supply and maintain more than 280,000 items of highly sensitive optical equipment.

Qioptiq MD Peter White said 

“A contract like this provides security and allows us to invest in the infrastructure and our people because we can take a long-term view. This in turn helps the local economy and our supply chain.”

He went on to say: 

“Sometimes you can take for granted the sense of community that we have at Qioptiq. When customers visit, they always comment on the passion and dedication that the workforce shows and that is an important factor in winning contracts such as this.”

Read Construction aim to ensure maximum spend within the local area through the appointment of local design team members, suppliers and subcontractors and will also be providing training opportunities for local people.

Dawid Cloete, Construction Director, said: 

“We are delighted to be delivering this significant project for the region, in conjunction with Welsh Government and Qioptiq. Throughout the project we will endeavour to promote local employment opportunities and deliver added value through the employment of a local supply chain.” 

The start of work was officially launched today (Thursday June 22) at a ground breaking event with Economy Secretary Ken Skates, Qioptiq MD Peter White and representatives from Read Construction which secured the design and build contract.

The Welsh Government is investing £1.7m to build the 24,900 sq. ft. secure facility on land it owns adjacent to Qioptiq’s existing premises on St Asaph Business Park. The development is due to be completed by the end of the year when Qioptiq will lease the building and invest c£2m in fit out, security and IT systems, bringing the total investment to £3.7m.

Ken Skates said: 

“Winning this key contract was a huge coup for the company and for Wales and reflects the expertise of its highly skilled workforce. It’s great to see work is now underway as this expansion will create on-going economic benefits for the region and secure the long term sustainable future of this advanced manufacturing company in Wales.

“Excelitas’ Qioptiq is a key Anchor company, a major employer in North Wales and one of the most innovative and dynamic businesses in Wales. The Welsh Government supported Qioptiq’s successful bid from the early pre-qualification stage and our continued support and investment in these new facilities will ensure the company has the capacity it needs to deliver such a significant contract.”

Under the six year MoD contract Qioptiq will be the sole strategic supplier for the MoD’s entire fleet of Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment – it will supply and maintain more than 280,000 items of highly sensitive optical equipment.

Qioptiq MD Peter White said 

“A contract like this provides security and allows us to invest in the infrastructure and our people because we can take a long-term view. This in turn helps the local economy and our supply chain.”

He went on to say: 

“Sometimes you can take for granted the sense of community that we have at Qioptiq. When customers visit, they always comment on the passion and dedication that the workforce shows and that is an important factor in winning contracts such as this.”

Read Construction aim to ensure maximum spend within the local area through the appointment of local design team members, suppliers and subcontractors and will also be providing training opportunities for local people.

Dawid Cloete, Construction Director, said: 

“We are delighted to be delivering this significant project for the region, in conjunction with Welsh Government and Qioptiq. Throughout the project we will endeavour to promote local employment opportunities and deliver added value through the employment of a local supply chain.” 

Addressing Children in Wales’s Child Poverty Conference, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty.

He said the focus on employability, early years and empowerment has put far greater emphasis on those areas which support children to have the best start in life.

This approach has seen increasing investment in initiatives which are key to preventing and reducing poverty, delivering a more equal and prosperous Wales.

While recognising that more needed to be done the Cabinet Secretary said the Welsh Government is making progress towards achieving its child poverty objectives in a number of areas.

Carl Sargeant said:

“Employment in Wales is close to a record high and the number of children living in workless households is at an all time low. We have reduced the gap in educational attainment between pupils eligible for Free School Meals and those who are not, exceeding our target for pupils achieving the expected level at Foundation Phase.”

The Cabinet Secretary said early childhood experiences are important for a child’s long-term development and their achievements in later life which is why a focus on early intervention and prevention is important, particularly in respect of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Carl Sargeant added:

“Tackling poverty is the responsibility of every Cabinet Secretary and every Minister. While we do not underestimate the scale of our challenge, we must also recognise the opportunities available.”