More than 130 jobs are to be created in Bedwas over the next five years, with the re-opening of a mothballed aluminium factory.

Body parts for a new fleet of zero-emission London black cabs will be made by Norwegian-owned Sapa Components UK (www.sapagroup.com) at its site on the Pantglas Industrial Estate.

The plant was closed in 2014 with the loss of 132 jobs, but the chance to re-open it came when Sapa, which supplies aluminium-based sub-assemblies and components to all the major vehicle manufacturers, won a contracts relating to the new plug-in hybrid TX-5 London cab.

Sapa is investing £9.6 million in the factory, with £550,000 coming from the Welsh Government.

First Minister Carwyn Jones visited Norway in January and pressed the business case for bringing the investment to Wales.

Ken Skates, economy and infrastructure secretary, said: “Wales has a growing reputation for supporting innovative new technologies and opportunities.

“The low-carbon vehicle sector is a particular growth area and a key sub-sector for our advanced materials and manufacturing industry.”

John Thuestad, business area president of Sapa, said: “This is a great day for both Sapa and manufacturing in Wales. We had to end extrusion operations in Bedwas in 2014 due to over-capacity in the market, but we are now pleased to be able to return to Wales with our new automotive-components business.”