We’re seriously impressed
Padraig McCarthy, Managing Director
Dawnpac/Dawn Meats, Cross Hands
Irish-based meat packaging company

"Proximity to Ireland and access to the UK motorways attracted us to Cross Hands. In ten years we went from 30 people to more than 400 – a credit to the adaptability and resilience of the local workforce. We’ve had major expansions twice and, after a devastating fire in 2002, we committed to the area again, despite other options and locations. The proactive reaction of the local agencies seriously impressed us - that, and the workforce, were crucial".

Talent and ambition
Ron Jones, Chief Executive
Tinopolis, Llanelli
major television and new media production company

"Since moving to Carmarthenshire we’ve grown from 50 staff to more than 130 ... most are highly skilled jobs and filled by local people. As well as making television programmes, we specialise in new media, building our own software for business and education. There’s a large pool of young people on our doorstep, with the talent, ambition and enthusiasm to take on new challenges. And because they want to work in Carmarthenshire, they want us to succeed. "

Simply the best
Chris Williams, Director of Design and Development
EU Photonics, Llanelli
with unique product for treatment of skin disorders

"Our product is the best in the world – the only one with Federal Drugs Agency clearance as a laser treatment for acne. From idea to finished product, N-Lite has been developed locally by local people. Visitors are astounded when they see a company with our technical expertise in such a pleasant area. We have a greenfield site, we’re close to the M4 corridor and we have the talented people. We’ve got the best of all worlds."

Staying here to go places
Robin Lewis, Managing Director
Magstim Ltd, Whitland
firm specialising in neurological equipment

"We work in a very specialised field, creating electronic instruments which monitor the function of the nerves during disease and treatment. We sell our high-value products all over the world and could easily move from Whitland. Instead, a new £1 million factory has been specially built for us, to many of our specifications. Transport and communications are good, while the education infrastructure helps us invest a great deal in training. Everything we need is here."

Coming up with the goods
David Pallas, Managing Director Europe
Calsonic Kansei, Llanelli
international group manufacturing car cooling and air conditioning systems

"Our European HQ and all our research and development are based at Llanelli. Every year there is an increase in investment here, both in our manufacturing operation and R + D. We are operating in an extremely tough environment, but  the Llanelli workforce keeps coming up trumps and our contracts with mainland Europe are increasing. Business support is excellent, the relationship with local colleges is the best in the group and the workers have great expertise."

The place designers love
Chris Jones, Director
Corgi Hosiery, Ammanford
family company supplying high quality knitwear to top designers and HRH Prince of Wales

"Many of our most important customers come down to see us in Ammanford and they love it. It’s such a beautiful area and such a pleasant place to work. Compared to many of them, we have none of the stresses and pressures of city life. But we supply major designers and shops in the UK, Japan, France and North America. And we have a loyal workforce with no turnover problems. They’re happy, so they stay."

Going for extra potential
Simon Cox, Human Resources and General Affairs Manager
Mitsui , Capel Hendre, Ammanford
Japanese car component manufacturer

"When Mitsui moved to Carmarthenshire in January 2000, they looked at sites in France and Holland as well. The financial incentives to come to Wales were important; Carmarthenshire’s excellent transport links and its pool of labour were vital. There’s a tradition of high skilled jobs in the area and we’re within easy transport reach of some of our major customers. There is a lot of potential here for developing sectors like our own."

Encouragement and pro-active support
Angela Saunders, Hotel proprietor
Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, and Gwenllian Court Hotel, Kidwelly

"We took over in 2000, from a hotel chain. We’re now attracting the big local companies, visiting international rugby sides and coach tours from the USA and Europe. With grants from the Wales Tourist Board and EU, we’ve transformed the hotel, refurbishing all 84 rooms, opening a new restaurant and a conference suite. The Council has been excellent, offering encouragement and pro-active support. We’re very lucky to be in Carmarthenshire now – there’s tremendous potential here."

Success for band of brothers
Tony Salini, Managing Director
Team Precision Engineering, Capel Hendre, Ammanford
company making manipulative tubing for vehicle air conditioning systems

"We started just as three brothers back in 1994. Now we have 93 staff working from two factories, supplying most of the major car manufacturers. We received grant aid at vital times - when we started and again when we built our new factory. There is help for investors to set up here, it’s a beautiful area, with relatively low labour costs and no congestion problems. And, if we needed it, we could have had more support."