The Bryngwyn steelworks closed with the loss of 127 jobs

A 280-year-old family-owned firm is moving its entire production from London to a west Wales jobs black spot.

Comyn Ching (Solray) Ltd, which manufactures radiant heating panels, is moving into a purpose-built 26,000 square foot unit on the Garngoch Industrial Estate in Gorseinon.

The announcement comes just short of the second anniversary of the closure by Corus of the Bryngwyn Steelworks, which resulted in the loss of 127 jobs.

Up to 40 new jobs are to be created with the London firm's arrival.

Hopefully with people now being in employment, they will have more money in their pockets to spend in local shops Regeneration coordinator Beth Winkley

Workers in Gorseinon were also hit by the closure of the Valeo car components factory in 2001 which cost 330 jobs.

But this year has seen better news - Solray is the third company to reveal they are moving to the Garngoch Industrial Estate.

Fforest Timber Engineering Ltd and Gavin Electrical Engineering Ltd aim to create around 50 jobs at the site.

Solray managing director Alistair Comyn Ching was set to be joined by Swansea Lord Mayor June Burtonshaw, representatives of the assembly and Welsh Development Agency at a turf cutting ceremony on Thursday.

Regeneration managers say it is a symbol of the new optimism in Gorseinon and the surrounding area.

Gorseinon regeneration coordinator Beth Winkley said: "I think it's a huge boost for Gorseinon because, not only is it providing new jobs, it's also bringing confidence to the area.

"It is saying that this is a good area to site your business.

"It is very much a partnership between the Gorseinon Development Trust and the WDA.

"Hopefully with people now being in employment, they will have more money in their pockets to spend in local shops."