Denbighshire-based Qioptiq (www.qioptiq.com), one of the world’s leading space technology firms, has thrown its weight behind the North Wales Growth Bid.

The company, which employs more than 500 people in North Wales, is firmly behind proposals to improve transport links, digital connectivity, land and property infrastructure and to provide support for innovative businesses.

Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, leader of Gwynedd County Council and vice-chairman of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, visited the company’s manufacturing site in Bodelwyddan and was fascinated by the strides made by the firm in producing glass that features on every satellite launched in the Western world.

This came after Qioptiq unveiled a new warehouse at St Asaph to support its £83 million MoD contract to maintain hand-held equipment — including night-vision goggles and weapon sights — for the UK’s Armed Forces over the next six years.

Councillor Siencyn said: “I’m delighted that we have such an innovative and well-respected giant of industry in our corner. Part of the Bid — and the wider Growth Vision for the region — is about supporting businesses and making it easier for them to produce innovative products and trade — both at home and on the world stage.”