The firm will make car chassis parts

Japanese car parts firm, Takao Europe Manufacturing Ltd (TEM), which serves Honda and Toyota is investing �3.2m to open a new plant in Ebbw Vale.

It is expected to create about 100 jobs with recruitment already underway.

And Hirwaun-based consultancy firm Crownford Ltd has secured a �20m training contract in Romania, which will create around 75 jobs in Wales.

The family-run business in the Cynon Valley, already employs 40 people won the contract to deliver specialist training and consultancy services to Romania.

It will specialise in advising Romanian business on up-to-date management practices.

The fim which already operates in China, Indonesia and India, has already opened an office in north east Romania and anticipates opening a further six offices by 2008.

Its expansion into Romania will create 75 jobs in Wales and also open up career development opportunities for Welsh staff in Romania.

Specialist

Meanwhile, bosses of TEM are already in the process of employing 100 workers for its new base in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent.

It has bought the former Yajima TV components factory in the Rassau Industial Estate and intends to manufacture vehicle chassis parts.

The firm has been awarded Welsh assembly government grants.

Work that was currently outsourced to eastern Europe and Turkey will now be brought to Wales where the facility will specialise in producing small press work and welded assemblies.

Enterprise minister Andrew Davies said: "It is also a clear demonstration that our policies and partnerships with the private sector and our support for business are bringing tangible results."

TEM commercial director Nick Thomas said the new operation would trade as Takao Wales Division.

He said they were already working with local engineering companies to support its tool-making.