Hull laser firm scoops over £1m funding

A Hull-based laser technology firm is set to create nearly 60 jobs following £1m of government funding.

Rofin-Sinar, a developer of laser equipment for use in manufacturing, has secured the cash from the Regional Growth Fund.

It will be put towards a £5m project to develop lasers that can cut through touch-screen glass on smartphones and will help the firm to relocate to a new factory.

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said: “This is a great example of business and the government working together for growth.

“Rofin-Sinar is an exciting and ambitious medium-sized manufacturer of industrial lasers looking to build on its success to design the next generation of products – the Regional Growth Funding will help it to invest in R&D and take on new highly skilled staff to achieve their ambitions.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable was in Hull to make the announcement this week, which forms part of a the £2.4m funding awarded to Humber companies as part of the Humber LEP programme in the last five months.

Mr Cable said: “We are committed to supporting businesses and creating highly skilled jobs in this area. The new money announced today for Rofin-Sinar is in addition to £77 million already allocated through the Regional Growth Fund since its creation.

“More people are being trained in the skills that Hull and Humber businesses need. In the last year there has been around a 10% increase in the number of apprenticeships here. This is as a result of our decision to prioritise skills funding, so employers have access to the talent they need and young people from all social backgrounds have the chance to find fulfilling jobs.”

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