Local MP Gerald Jones has praised the impact the opening of General Dynamics new plant in Merthyr Tydfil will have on the local area.

Speaking on Monday the Labour MP was joined for the grand opening of the new facility by the First Minister Carwyn Jones, Merthyr Council Leader Brendan Toomey, representatives from General Dynamics and the Borough mayor Dai Issac.

Gerald said

“I’m extremely pleased that General Dynamics have decided to invest in our community. Merthyr Tydfil has been a centre of manufacturing excellence for over a century, from Hoover through to Thornes, and it’s great that another reputable manufacturer is setting up in the Town.”

The facility will create around 250 jobs, a much needed boost to the local economy. First Minister Carwyn Jones was present at the Opening of the factory. The Welsh Government has given a loan to the company to help cover the capital costs of the project.

The First Minister said: “We’ve built a strong and close working relationship with General Dynamics – one of our anchor companies – and we have supported a number of their key projects that have brought new work and technology to Wales and created hundreds of new jobs.

“I am delighted we were able to support this latest, strategically important, investment and welcome the considerable associated economic benefits it will create.

“To bring this project to fruition we pulled out all the stops; we worked side by side with General Dynamics from the very early stages of the project and played an integral role in helping secure this investment and jobs for Wales.