Abercynon-based AB Connectors has won a £2 million contract to supply equipment to Thales UK's new vehicle integration centre in West Wales, resulting in the creation of 40 new high-skilled jobs.

The new Thales centre in Llangennech, near Llanelli, which opened last November, specialises in the hi-tech fit out of complex vehicles, including the Ministry of Defence's new fleet of Warthog all-terrain tracked armoured vehicles.

AB Connectors has an established reputation as one of the market leaders in design, test and manufacture of harsh environment interconnection systems, bespoke harness assemblies and connectors. Its equipment is used by the defence, aero-space and the traction (railway) industries, and is specifically designed for use in harsh environments.

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Part of the TT Electronics Group, AB Connectors is supplying cabling and harnessing systems, as well as racking systems to house communications equipment for more than 100 Warthog vehicles destined for the Afghanistan theatre of operations.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, has welcomed the news, saying that the investment by Thales is bringing benefits to the wider economy.

"Thales UK stated that it was keen to source materials locally, and to develop and build up a local supply chain where possible. I am pleased to hear that it is certainly doing that. The significant contract awarded to AB Connectors is excellent news as it has already created 40 new jobs and opens the door for potentially more business."

(CD/GK)