Welsh Economy Secretary Ken Skates has highlighted Wales as an "ideal location" for one of Heathrow's future Logistics Hubs.

As part of its major expansion plan, Heathrow will establish four off-site construction logistic hubs in the UK in order to widen the supply chain and ensure the extensive build programme is resilient, sustainable and cost effective.

Once selected, the four logistic sites will act as the location for the offsite construction of the infrastructure for Heathrow's third runway, with each hub expected to deliver huge numbers of jobs and a major economic boost within its area.

Speaking to representatives of Heathrow Airport as part of their visit to Tata Steel Shotton today, 17 May, Economy Secretary Ken Skates said Wales would be an ideal location for one of the Heathrow Logistics hubs.

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"Our proven track record in construction and manufacturing, our readily available and highly experienced supply chain and our skilled workforce all make us a perfect choice," he said.

"And of course the benefits for our businesses and communities would be huge, providing thousands of jobs and injecting millions of pounds into our economy.

"This project offers huge opportunities and I am committed to ensuring that the Welsh Government does all it can to bring one of the hubs to Wales."

The Six Welsh Government promoted sites are located in Shotton, Cardiff, Deeside, Newport, Ebbw Vale and Bridgend.

Lord Deighton, Chairman at Heathrow Airport, said: "A new Heathrow runway will unlock up to 8,400 new skilled jobs and underpin up to £8bn in growth from construction through to increased tourism and exports for Wales.

"Exploring the possibility of locating a Logistics Hub in Wales is a key part of our commitment to the country as part of our Statement of Intent with the Welsh Government and we're looking forward to seeing first-hand what the country has to offer."

Bill Duckworth, Tata Steel site manager at Shotton in North Wales, said: "Our site already produces the best building system products available and would make an ideal choice for one of the proposed Heathrow extension Logistics Hubs. This would present an ideal opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Heathrow not just as a hub, but possibly as a major supplier too.

"We have the land, the road, rail and sea links to the rest of the UK required by this landmark project and – most importantly – the belief to see what this can mean for the economies of Wales."

(LM)