Jobs boost as loan helps firm expand

FIVE new jobs have been created at Helia Photonics in Livingston following financial support from the West Lothian Loan Fund.

The firm was established in 2002 and specialises in optical coatings for the electronics industry.

The new posts will help to build production capacity for the coatings, which are in demand for telecoms and datacoms devices around the world.

Helia director Professor Gerald Buller said: "The extra 30,000 from the West Lothian Loan Fund will allow us to restructure to focus on our key competitive advantage around laser diode coatings.

"We are confident that our West Lothian headquarters offers us a strong platform to grow our firm and continue to prosper in the future."

West Lothian's Executive Councillor for Transport and Development, Martyn Day, added: "West Lothian is rapidly establishing itself as a hub for photonics firms.

"I'm delighted that Helia will be able to expand thanks to help from the West Lothian Loan Fund."