Jobs boost as firm expands (From Western Telegraph)

Jobs boost as firm expands

UP to 15 hi-tech jobs are on their way to Whitland as a company at the forefront of magnetic nerve stimulation doubles the size of its factory.

The Magstim Company Ltd, headed by Saundersfoot-born businessman, Robin Lewis, announced on Friday that it was relocating its 40 staff to a purpose-built unit on the Whitland Industrial Estate.

It comes in the same week as a Pembrokeshire clothing manufacturer declined to elaborate on reports that its Fishguard factory had won major new contracts, securing the future of its 165 staff.

There had been fears about the future of the factory after the company confirmed it was restructuring its manufacturing in Wales.

But if the reports of new contracts are correct, its future in the short-term should be assured.

At the opposite end of the county, just over the border, Magstim says it will create 15 new jobs over the next three years.

Its new 12,500 square foot factory, built by the Welsh Development Agency and fitted out with financial support from the National Assembly, will enable the company to increase its output.

Magstim was set up in 1990 by Robin Lewis and two partners in a management take-over of Novametric's magnetic stimulation business.

Their workforce, increased from 14 to the present 40, produce the magnetic nerve stimulators used by neurologists treating stroke and multiple sclerosis patients.

In recent years, the company has developed products for use in patient therapy as well as diagnosis.

Robin Lewis says trials using these products for the treatment of depression were being run in America.

These products are aimed at patients who dont respond to treatment by drugs and could eliminate the need for electro-therapy.

Magstim is regarded as a world leader in a niche market and exports 90% of its products.