First Minister Carwyn Jones visited Pembroke Dock last week to announce a major investment that will boost production and safeguard jobs at United Aerospace Ltd.

Mr Jones announced financial support of £140,000 from the Welsh Government’s Economic Growth Fund and said: “United Aerospace Ltd is an excellent example of a highly innovative Welsh business that, with funding support, can become more efficient and competitive which is vitally important in these challenging economic conditions.

“I am extremely pleased that I have been able to witness first hand the work of the company and am equally pleased that the Welsh Government is able to support this project and safeguard and create jobs in West Wales.”

The company, which was established in 2004 after a successful management buy out, has grown to be the biggest of its kind in Wales and a top five payer in the UK.

It is a manufacturer and finisher of glass and carbon fibre reinforced composite components for a wide variety of industries from aerospace to renewable energy.

Managing director Gareth Burks said the support is vital to ensure the project goes ahead and will create eight jobs in the first year.

“It means we can invest in new high specification equipment that will enable us to increase both production levels as well as product complexity to satisfy existing contracts as well as attracting new business,” he added.

“It will also enable us to compete with bigger more established companies across the globe which will ensure the job security for the present work force for the foreseeable future as well as creating future employment for others,” he said.