Herefordshire factory plans 'could create 500 jobs'

Plans to build two factories in Herefordshire could create about 500 jobs, according to the local authority.

Herefordshire Council said negotiations had been taking place over several months with two eastern European aerospace manufacturers.

A 10-acre plot in Rotherwas Enterprise Zone has been targeted as a potential site as well as Ross-on-Wye Model Farm business park.

The council said detailed proposals would now be put together.

The local authority said it had worked with the Seattle-based Get It Group, which sources international companies looking to expand their operations.

Tbilisi Aerospace Manufacturing and Market-Mats, a Ukrainian company, which produces aircraft and tank simulators, have both expressed interest in the two sites.

Councillor Roger Phillips said: "This is exactly the kind of company we want to see on the [Rotherwas] site as it will have benefits to the local economy, and the company will also benefit from the relatively close links with the aerospace industry in Bristol."

An agreement is due to be signed in Westminster later which commits all parties to work together to explore the options at the sites, Herefordshire Council said.

Hereford MP Jesse Norman and Euro MP Anthea McIntyre are due to meet with local councillors, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and representatives from the two companies.