The Welsh Government is to build a new £2.5 million manufacturing facility for photonic producer Qioptiq.

The purpose-built centre, which will be developed on Qioptiq's premises on St Asaph Business Park, is being delivered after the firm won a £82m contract with the Ministry of Defence (Mod).

Under the six-year deal, Qioptiq will supply and maintain a large range of Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment for the MoD. The company specialises in the design and manufacture of optical and photonic products and solutions that serve a wide range of markets and applications in areas of defence, aerospace, medial and life sciences and industrial manufacturing.


The proposed 24,900 sq ft facility will provide secure warehousing and manufacturing space to enable Qioptiq to achieve full operating capacity to deliver the MoD contract within the required timescale. A further £2m is being invested by Qioptiq in fit out and IT systems.

Welsh Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: "I am delighted the Welsh Government was able to support the company's successful bid from the early pre qualification stage through to the development of a purpose designed facility that is vital to deliver the contract.

"This new contract secures the long term future of the company in St Asaph where it has a significant economic impact on the local economy through expenditure by employees and through local supply chains."

(LM/CD)