International mineral analysis company Intellection has set the seal on its expansion into Europe, with the formal opening of its new facility in Abergele, north Wales
Welsh Assembly member Janet Ryder and government director Vanessa Griffiths, officiated at the ceremony that sees Intellection become one of the first occupants of the new North Wales Business Park.
"This is a major milestone for Intellection," CEO Calvin Treacy said.
"This facility will be an important base for growing our business, both geographically across Europe, and operationally, in the upstream oil and gas industry".
The 477m2 facility will house a commercial XRD and automated mineral analysis laboratory as well as sales and administration to support the European, North African and Middle East markets.
A £240,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Welsh Assembly government helped fund the building's fitout and purchase new equipment, including Intellection's flagship technology, the Qemscan automated, quantitative mineral analysis system.
The Abergele office is part of Intellection's major expansion of its north Wales operation, following a merger in late 2007 with local geoscience firm X-Ray Mineral Services.
North Wales was selected as the strategic location for Intellection's expansion into Europe as it is home to one of the largest clusters of oil and gas expertise in Europe, in an environment that helps attract quality new staff.
Intellection's UK staff numbers are also set to more than double to manage the office's increased capabilities.
"Intellection puts a high value on its UK operations, and we are making a significant investment to ensure the business here continues to build on its excellent foundations," Treacy said.
The official opening coincided with Commonwealth Day, which promotes international cooperation and understanding to improve the lives of the 1.8billion Commonwealth citizens.
"What could be more appropriate for an event linking business in the UK and Australia?" said Intellection UK General Manager Stephen Jones.
"This international initiative has already generated employment for north Wales, and will put us at the forefront of mineral analysis world-wide".
The opening was also attended by North Wales assembly members Eleanor Burnham and Mark Isherwood.
