Some 60 jobs are to be created at Port Talbot, Wales, and a further 90 safeguarded, it has been announced.

Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies is set to invest £11m consolidating its three sites in Baglan into one consolidated manufacturing centre, which with Welsh Government support is creating the 60 jobs.

The investment, supported by £3m business finance from the Welsh Government, will also safeguard a further 90 direct jobs as well as secure the long-term sustainable future of the business.

Employment will rise from 237 to 297.

The company, which is part of technology group Freudenberg, designs, develops and manufactures high integrity sealing solutions for the oil and gas industry throughout the world.

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The expansion and investment project will result in Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies moving from three separate sites on Baglan Industrial Estate, to the former Panasonic factory also on Baglan Industrial Estate occupying 116,000 sq ft. The new location will contain new office accommodation, plus R&D facilities, with additional investment in new CNC machinery and R&D equipment.

The transition is expected to be completed by August 2014.

Welcoming the investment, Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: "This is a major investment by the globally active German family-owned Freudenberg Group that will not only create 60 highly skilled, well paid jobs but it will also safeguard 90 others and ensure the long term sustainability of their operation in Wales.

"The company makes a major contribution to the economy, exporting products that are developed here in Wales, across the world. This investment illustrates the company's commitment to Wales and I am pleased the WG is able to support this expansion."

Richard T. Schmidt, President and CEO of Freudenberg Oil & Gas Technologies added: "The investment in Wales will enable the business to grow, remain competitive and become more efficient.

"The investment is testament to the company's long-term commitment to Wales while funding from the Welsh Government was extremely important highlighting its continued support and enabling this investment to go ahead."

(JP/IT)