A total of 51 prototype units have initially been built

The Corus steelworks in Shotton will make 51 units of barrack blocks at its new �4m assembly line.

They could help secure a major Ministry of Defence contract to build accommodation for 18,000 military and civilian personnel.

Corus said the MoD contract could create a significant number of new jobs at Shotton.

The block will be installed at Perham Down, Wiltshire, for its performance to be assessed.

The jobs would increase threefold from where we are presently and those jobs would be secure jobs Ed Donald, Corus

If Shotton, in Flintshire, wins the final MoD contract, the prototype would provide living and working accommodation for personnel in the Salisbury Plain and Aldershot garrisons, with the construction of 145 similar blocks in coming years.

The buildings are manufactured by Corus' new Living Solutions business, which aims to supply factory-assembled housing units using techniques from the motor industry.

Living Solutions was launched last year and employs 50 people, and the deal is its first significant order.

Corus hopes the prototypes will secure a major MoD contract

The bedrooms with en suite facilities are said by Corus to modernise soldiers' accommodation.

The army will take delivery of the units at the end of July, with the decision on who will be awarded the final expected soon afterwards.

Ed Donald, business development manager for Living Solutions, said: "The significance (of the order) is that in a competitive situation, we have been awarded the first prototype building, of which there are going to be many similar buildings, built on the MoD sites over the next six or seven years.

"We can demonstrate that our system is attractive to our client.

Combat in comfort: soldiers are offered more modern living

"The government has determined that soldiers should have a quality of accommodation they have never had before : a bedroom with an en suite shower, each to themselves.

"This is the largest single market for our product.

"Should we succeed, it would provide a continuity of work that gives stability to our operation.

"If we could succeed with this project, it would justify the investment, and would provide the jobs.

"The jobs would increase threefold from where we are presently and those jobs would be secure jobs."