Blaenavon-based water treatment specialist, Water Treatment Products, has created 12 new jobs thanks to grants from the Local Investment Fund.

The company, which formulates and manufactures speciality water treatment chemicals and products for national and international clients, accessed two grants from the fund with support from Torfaen council, enabling it to purchase new machinery and drastically cut down production time.

It was also able to boost its output from 3,000 units to 8,000 units a day for some products and had to take on additional employees as a result.

Alison Carter, director, said: “The Local Investment Fund grants have allowed us to buy brand new machines that have increased our rate of production and allowed us to work around the clock. We have been able to future-proof our IT systems and carry out research and development into new products.”

The Local Investment Fund is a package of flexible financial support to assist businesses with capital grants of up to 40 per cent for approved projects, and is accessed through the local authority.

Water Treatment Products, which was established in Blaenavon in 1999 and employs 43 people, accessed the grant funding through Torfaen council and was paired with a dedicated business advisor to help them through the process. The company has now purchased five new units at its site on the Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate in Blaenavon to allow further expansion.

Gaynor Wakeling, business development officer at Torfaen council, said: “Water Treatment Products is an excellent example of a successful business that has been able to use this funding to its full potential. They have been able to expand their operation and as a result have created 12 new jobs, providing employment for local people.

“I would urge any businesses which are interested in finding out more to get in touch with us directly.”

To find out more about the Local Investment Fund visit www.southwalesbusiness.co.uk/en/Financial-Support/Local-Investment-Fund.aspx