A HIGH tech medical instrument company based in Chepstow has made its first shipment of products to mainland Europe after securing a distribution agreement for Spain, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Creo Medical Group plc makes a groundbreaking device that lets doctors operate without puncturing the skin, which will be fully launched in 2019.

Craig Gulliford, Creo CEO, said: “Entering mainland Europe is an important milestone for Creo as we work towards commercialisation of our lead product, Speedboat, powered by our CROMA-advanced energy platform.

“This will be the first time Creo has shipped products to these areas which we believe will be key markets for the company.

“The signing of these agreements is in line with our strategy to grow our distribution network and reputation both in Europe and worldwide, and will position us well as we strive to advance the emerging field of surgical endoscopy.”

Creo, founded 15 years ago, has secured a deal with JJP Hospitalaria SL to cover the Spanish market and Netherlands-based Stinnow medical to distribute to the Benelux countries.

Both will collaborate with Creo over an 18-month period to advance the roll out of Creo’s Clinical Education Programme across Spain and Benelux, educating key clinicians in the use of Speedboat and the CROMA platform with the aim of “ensuring quality control and best patient outcomes.”

These agreements follow on from similar agreements covering the Asia-Pacific region, the UK and South Africa.

Vaughan Gething AM, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, praised the firm while visiting its Bulwark Park-based design and manufacturing facility to see its advanced medical products.

He said: “Developing innovative medical technologies is at the heart of the Welsh Government’s vision for the future of the NHS in Wales. Creo is an example of a rapidly expanding business at the very forefront of medtech.”