Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones today launched a major expansion by speciality chemicals producer Huntsman Corporation at Bynea, Llanelli.

The plant produces speciality amines, derivatives of ammonia which are widely used in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, coatings, resins, gas treating and for the prevention of corrosion.

The decision by the corporation's Performance Products division to increase amines manufacture is the single largest investment at its Llanelli plant during its 40 plus years at Bynea, and will safeguard 46 jobs.

The firm's £3.5 million investment, entitled Project Aeolus, will increase capacity by around 50 per cent – mainly to produce an epoxy curative used in the manufacture of wind turbine generator blades.

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"Huntsman Corporation's decision is a vote of confidence in their Welsh workforce – a clear sign of the advantages our country offers as a location for leading companies," said Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.

"This latest investment is excellent news for Llanelli and a big boost for our country’s recovery from recession.

"It demonstrates how companies in many sectors are diversifying into the green economy – and I am delighted that this development is taking place in Wales," said Mr Jones, who is Wales’ Minister for the Economy and Transport.

"This important expansion in the field of advanced manufacturing and materials will help us achieve the goals that I have laid out in my recently announced Economic Renewal programme for Wales which aims to ensure a stronger and more sustainable economy for our nation."

Daniele Ferrari, President of Huntsman Performance Products added: "The Llanelli site is a strategic cornerstone for meeting our global customer needs. This expansion represents our commitment to these high-growth product lines that we have identified as being strategically important for our future growth and complements other investments in our amine manufacturing capacity."

(CD/KMcA)