Business Minister Edwina Hart has welcomed the multi-million pound transformation and revitalisation of Meritor’s Cwmbran facility that is set to create over 100 jobs over the next 5 years.

The £36 million investment in Meritor’s global centre of excellence for disc brakes – which began in 2010 and due to be completed in 2014 - is supported by the Welsh Government through the Single Investment Fund.

On a visit to the facility to see work in progress Mrs Hart described the investment as a vote of confidence in Wales and the local workforce.

She said: "I am delighted the Welsh Government is supporting this project that will not only ensure the Cwmbran centre remains one of Meritor’s key sites worldwide but will also create a significant number of jobs when completed.

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"It is a major undertaking and I am very impressed with the progress in transforming a site built during the second world war into an ultra-modern facility with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and systems, including fully automated assembly lines.

"Meritor is recognised by the Welsh Government as one of our regionally important companies that has a highly skilled workforce and makes an important contribution to the Welsh economy and to the local community.

"This important investment is very welcome, particularly during these challenging economic conditions and I should like to congratulate the company on the work undertaken to date that will enhance production efficiency and incorporate a range of low carbon environmentally friendly features."

The Cwmbran facility, which employs 450 people, serves the commercial and industrial vehicle market and exports 90% of its products.

(CD/GK)