240 jobs on that way as Telford car parts factory gets go-ahead

The production plant wiill be bullt on the T54 Business Park, at Nedge Hill.

Polytec Car Styling Bromyard Limited, an Austria-based company, will be the latest automotive parts firm to move to Telford to be close to the Jaguar Land Rover site on i54 near Wolverhampton.

The company develops and makes plastic parts for the automotive sector, mainly for the outside of cars.

Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee gave the go-ahead for the factory on Wednesday saying that it was great news for the area.

Councillor Nicola Lowery said: "This will add to the vibrancy of the area, more employment for local people must be applauded."

Councillor Chris Turley said: "More than 200 jobs for Telford is good news, very good news indeed."

The company says the initial phase will create about 100 jobs, but says numbers could rise to 240 as the site is expanded. The majority will work shifts, a report to the council said.

The development will start with a new paint plant and assembly hall, before adding a manufacturing facility and finally an additional assembly hall.

In a statement, Polytec said: "We are very excited about this investment as it will allow us to both increase our capacity and introduce the latest technologies specifically in the painting process."

The site has been earmarked for industrial development by its allocation in the Wrekin Local Plan since at least 2000.

Planning officer Stephen Drury said: "The growth and success of Polytec over the years has meant that it needs new premises to meet the growing demands of the business and its clients. The proposed scheme will represent a significant investment in the region's economy, creating jobs and providing the opportunity for the company to grow further."

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions which include a financial contribution from the company of £72,000 towards road improvements with a further £10,000 towards improvements to bus stops in the area. Prior to the meeting, the company said: ""We are very excited about this investment as it will allow us to both increase our capacity and introduce the latest technologies specifically in the painting process."

The company already employs 4,200 people at 25 sites around the world.

At the time the company announced the plans, Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council leader, said: "This is fantastic news for the borough and is another victory for our business winning and business supporting approach.

"The investment into strategic improvements both through our £50m Growth fund and Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) funding has been critical in enabling this development to come forward. I confidently expect that there will be more positive news for Telford as a result of the Land Deal with the Homes and Communities Agency in the coming months."

Karl Tupling, the Homes and Communities Agency's Midlands boss, added: "Alongside our recent land sale to Magna Cosma Castings, Polytec's proposed investment has the potential to bring significant jobs and fits squarely with the strategy to encourage automotive supply chain growth.

"New skilled jobs means increased demand for housing and the HCA is also working closely with Telford & Wrekin Council to develop significant housing through schemes such as Lawley and Lightmoor."