Universal Engineering in Llantrisant creates 200 jobs

An engineering firm is creating 200 jobs at its factory in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Universal Engineering, which makes components for the off-shore oil and gas, car, defence and aerospace industries, is setting up a centre of excellence in Llantrisant.

The official announcement will be made during a visit by Economy Minister Edwina Hart.

The investment has received £2m support from the Welsh government.

The company was set up in 1959 and taken over by the Bland Group in 2009.

It has already recruited 65 workers since its new plant opened six months ago.

The company wants to take advantage of the aerospace and defence sector in Wales

The company is involved in what is called advanced manufacturing, one of the key, highly-skilled sectors identified by the Welsh government as important in creating jobs and growing the economy.

It is supported by a specialist panel of experts.

Mrs Hart said: "It will provide a major boost to the local economy and is exactly the type of advanced manufacturing investment we want to attract.

The company makes parts for the defence industry

"It will create a significant number of skilled jobs offering a range of employment and career opportunities."

The company will be working closely with Coleg Gwent to provide future skills training.

Bland Group UK chief executive Henry Game said the investment in south Wales had been driven by rising demand.

"This investment represents our continued commitment to precision engineering and to fulfilling the high standards that have made Universal Engineering a pioneer in the cutting edge industries it serves," he said.