A WOLFSCASTLE-based company that manufactures unique, temperature-sensitive storage wallets for insulin and other medication is investing £270,000 to ensure production will stay in Wales.

FRIO UK is investing £270,000 – backed by £80,000 from the Welsh Government Economic Growth Fund - in new production, storage and distribution facilities as well as new product training and conference facilities.

FRIO wallets are sold in more than 67 countries, and mean diabetics and medication users can travel and go about their daily lives, knowing that their medication is kept cool and safe, and is ready to use at any time.

The company said the expansion is essential to meet the rapidly growing demand for its unique products.

As well as ensuring the expansion went ahead in Wales, rather than at the company’s manufacturing facility in China, the Welsh Government investment will create four new jobs and safeguard nine.

MD Chris Wolsey said:” Without this funding we would not have been able to make this investment here – the cost would have been prohibitive. It would have meant our Welsh site would be reduced to a sales and marketing operation with all manufacturing undertaken in China.

“We are therefore delighted to be awarded this funding and to have received great support from the Welsh Government to take this expansion forward, safeguarding existing jobs, creating four more local jobs and giving back to the community.

“The investment enables our business to move up a level from a cottage style industry to a modern manufacturing facility with bespoke equipment. We get visitors from all over the world so it is important to present an image that is both modern and dynamic.”