Roger Le Poidevin, left, and Mark Levrier of Intersurgical. (Picture by Daniel Guerin, 0585836)

INNOVATION and automation have been key to Intersurgical’s success over the years, according to its management. The manufacturer of oxygen, drug and anaesthetic gas-delivery products is celebrating its 25th birthday.

Guernsey managing director Mark Levrier said the only way to survive had been to move the bulk of the manufacturing operation to Lithuania in 1996.

‘Costs in Guernsey are constantly going up, so we got around that by rationalising production on the island and going automated. At our peak we had 235 people working for us here, but now we employ 102 and that’s about our full capacity. Automation is our only way of remaining competitive in the face of stiff global competition.’

Intersurgical started life as Lifeline Ltd in small rented premises on the Braye Road Industrial Estate, Vale, in 1983.