Hi-tech minerals analysis company Intellection has merged with Welsh geoscience firm X-Ray Mineral Services (XMS), significantly increasing its presence in the oil and gas sectors
The first priority of the new Intellection (UK) has been to launch a major expansion of the north Wales operation, with the backing of a £240,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Welsh Assembly government.
Intellection (UK) general manager Stephen Jones said: "By teaming up with an international company that shares our vision, we will be in a position to provide a global, integrated analytical service package - which will place us in an excellent position to serve our customers' needs.
"As part of a larger group, we look forward to developing our products in new ways and to create significant opportunities for future growth".
Twenty new jobs have been created as a result of the company moving from its Colwyn Bay premises to larger, new facilities at Abergele's North Wales Business Park, representing a major investment in the business.
Deputy first minister of Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "The merger will give Intellection an outstanding opportunity for business growth across Europe.
"And the move to a new base will provide the company with room for growth - and for the creation of more of the skilled jobs that we need here in North Wales".
XMS was formed ten years ago to provide a high quality X-ray analysis service for the petroleum industry, and has helped some of the world's biggest oil and gas companies find new reserves.
It has since expanded into analysis of soil, clay and mineral samples for the construction, mining and pharmaceutical industries.
Intellection says it is internationally well established in the mining sector, and is building its business in the oil and gas sectors through this amalgamation.
The UK-based operation will also enable the company to better service markets throughout the UK, Europe, Middle East and India.
Intellection's flagship product is Qemscan, for advanced automated analysis of minerals.
