300 jobs to be created on estate as MG moves in

Up to 300 jobs are to be created in the Black Country when production of a sports car moves to the region next year, it has emerged today.

MG Sports and Racing Ltd, which is based in Worcestershire, is due to move into premises in Neachells Lane, on the Wolverhampton and Willenhall border.

The company will produce around 1,800 models of the MGX Power each year which will cost in the region of £34,000. The expansion into the area will create up to 300 jobs on the site which is owned by Caparo and see a production plant created.

The positions are to be created over a two-year period and the first cars could come off the production line at the end of next year.

It was originally hoped MG Sports and Racing Ltd would start manufacturing cars from early 2009 but the move has been delayed by the credit crunch.

Managing director William Riley said: "We are planning to start building cars from next year and it is definitely now just a question of time."

Willenhall councillor Carl Creaney said it was "great news" for the area.

"It will be good to see automotive moving into here and I am sure everyone will be happy," he added.