Alun Cairns, the Secretary of State for Wales, recently visited Renishaw’s site in Miskin, near Cardiff, to discuss how businesses and the Welsh government can work together to create an engineering workforce with the skills necessary to support the industry and boost the Welsh economy.

He toured the facility to see the company’s specialist work in precision manufacturing, additive manufacturing and healthcare.

The additive manufacturing systems used to produce metal dental structures and implants for facial reconstructive surgery are assembled at Miskin.

Mr Cairns had the opportunity to speak to Stephen Pickles, process development technician and Welsh ‘apprentice of the year’ in 2017.

The latter told him how the company is using education outreach programmes to encourage young students to consider a career in engineering.

William Lee, Renishaw’s chief executive, said: “We have invested over £45 million in our Miskin facility, as a commitment to developing our presence in Wales.

“During his visit, the Secretary of State had the opportunity to see how our investment benefits people across South Wales.

“This includes the outreach programme centred on our Fabrication Development Centre — a dedicated facility to support primary and secondary schools in the area.”

For more information about Renishaw’s education outreach programme in Miskin, visit the Web site www.renishaw.com/en/education-outreach--34713).