Ninety jobs will be created by Sharp

A range of solar products for use in the UK and Europe will be produced at Sharp in Llay near Wrexham from next year.

The company, which is investing highly in the renewable energy business, has announced that 40 new jobs are expected in 2004, rising to 90 in 2005.

The announcement is good news for workers as last year Sharp announced they would be making 314 workers redundant.

Production staff in Wrexham will assemble solar modules for residential, commercial and industrial installations.

The trump card in the many months of negotiation that have led to today's decision was the excellent Llay workforce Ian Lucas Wrexham MP

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said: "This is just the kind of development we need in Wales - advanced sustainable technology with potential for expansion.

"Sharp is the world's leading manufacturer of solar products and is anticipating significant growth in the European solar energy market. This is new 'clean' technology, with a strong emphasis on recycling, and can make a great contribution towards protecting the environment."

Sharp began its research and development of photovoltaic cells in 1959.

"The trump card in the many months of negotiation that have led to today's decision was the excellent Llay workforce," said Wrexham MP Ian Lucas.

"They are, I believe, the reason why this industry for the future will now be based in Wrexham."

The European production of the Photovoltaic cells, which convert light into electricity, will be moved from Japan to Wrexham, starting production in 2004.

Energy Minister Stephen Timms said: "It's great news that Sharp Corporation - the world's largest Photo Voltaic Company, has chosen the UK as the site for its European Solar Module production facility.

"This is a strong vote of confidence in the fast growing solar energy market in the UK and also in the skilled workforce at Wrexham."

Toshihiko Fujimoto, Sharp's Group General Manager said solar power is an important arm of their business.

"Solar is one of a number of core Sharp next generation business and technologies.

"Consistent with our corporate mission, Sharp is committed to developing innovative solar technologies and one-of-a-kind products that meet the energy demands of today's lifestyles while helping to protect the environment for future generations," said Mr Fujimoto.