WALES First Minister, Carwyn Jones, was in Welshpool today (Thursday May 24) visiting manufacturers Zip-Clip, who are based on the Offa's Dyke Business Park.

He was there to see the the 6,000 square foot expansion at the factory that manufactures high-specification systems for the electrical, mechanical, heating and ventilation industries.

The extension cost the Welsh Government £375,000 and it is being leased to Zip Clip.

This means that the company will be able to deal with it's exports boom that's seen it's turnover increase from £4.6million to £5.5million

As well as the help with the move, Zip Clip have also benefitted from the Welsh Government's innovation programme and have taken advantage of the International Trade Opportunities which offers reaching new overseas markets.

Mr Jones was taken around the factory by Zip-Clip Chief Executive Officer, Steven Goldsworthy and Managing Director, Mathew Clay-Michael,

The First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: “It’s great to see a company like Zip Clip succeed in this way.

"I’m pleased the Welsh Government is able to assist them with their export boom and expansion plans.

"It was good to hear about the company’s success overseas, with exports to some 22 countries around the world.

"They are a valuable member of the business community here in Mid Wales providing excellent employment opportunities in the area.”

Mr Jones added: "We work best when business and government work together what we are doing here is to make sure that the right buildings are in place to attract businesses to provide employment for people and what we see here is an example of that.

"Without government funding we would not have this business park here.

"Governments should help businesses."

Managing Director, Mathew Clay-Michael, said: "This is a good place to be based, we're able to attract more expertise here we've done very well.

"We're able to bring more research and development into the business, the transport links from here are good, Shrewsbury is close by and Manchester is only and hour and a half away and potential customers are also able to fly in to nearby airfields.

Chief Executive of Zip Clip, Steve Goldsworthy was also a keynote speaker at this year’s Wales Export Conference to highlight the company’s success.

He said: "The visit went well and it was nice to have Carwyn Jones, here.

"The extension on the new unit will enable us to future-proof the needs of our export clients.

"Our aim over the years is to develop our overseas market with the aim to better service our customer needs through new product development and customer support.

"The success of Zip-Clip in targeting these overseas markets can only be achieved with the support of the Welsh Government.

"The initial support we had in developing overseas customers through trade missions enabled us target the correct countries and businesses effectively and affordably.

"The support in the new building has enabled us to keep our head offices and manufacturing in Wales where the community and supply chain can also benefit.”