Marukyu of Japan has made the decision to locate the UK and European arm of its business in Carmarthenshire.
The firm – the biggest manufacturers of fishing baits in the world – will be based at a new prestigious site in Parc Hendre, just outside Ammanford, from December 1, 2009.
Around 20 job opportunities will be created initially, with scope for further employment in the future.
Headed up by industry stalwart John Loftus, with backing from brand-expert Christos Papadopoulos and fishery and tackle guru Roy Marlow, the brand is set to make a massive impact in the UK market over the coming months.
The company has a very strong ecological and environmental ethos – its products provide good nutrition for fish, something that is not the case with many types of bait.
When used in significant amounts, poorly formulated baits can jeopardise the heath and welfare of fish, as well as producing adverse conditions in enclosed bodies of water.
The move to Carmarthenshire has seen a genuine partnership formed between the company, the West Wales Chamber of Commerce and Carmarthenshire County Council.
The company has a long-term ambition of establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility within two years – again at a site in Carmarthenshire.
This new facility will supplement that of the headquarters building in Okegawa in Japan and their factory in Tianjin, China.
Chairman of Marukyu UK, John Loftus said: “We’ve identified state-of-the-art premises at Parc Hendre which provides perfect links to the M4 for us to serve all our customers’ requirements.
“From what we’ve seen so far we really want to set our exciting venture up in this part of the world and look forward to a long relationship with West Wales Chamber of Commerce and Carmarthenshire County Council both of whom have been outstanding with their help in getting this project underway.”
Cllr Clive Scourfield, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Regeneration, said: “We’re thrilled at the decision by Marukyu to locate in Carmarthenshire. A company of this calibre is a real coup for the county. Carmarthenshire offers genuine appeal for a company such as this who not only have immediate plans but also a long term vision as to how they see the firm growing in the next 10 years.”
Chamber President Stuart Taylor added: “All parties are delighted with this news. It’s a real shot in the arm for the region.”
Recruitment for the project starts early in 2010 and will be handled by the local Jobcentre Plus offices.
