Llanelli-based Calsonic Kansei (www.ckeurope.com), an international automotive-parts manufacturer, will develop ‘state of the art’ electric-vehicle (EV) technologies and create 85 jobs, thanks to Welsh Government funding of £4.4 million.

The plant currently employs more than 300 people and manufactures cooling systems and air-conditioning components for automotive companies world-wide.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “First and foremost, this is a real vote of confidence in the workforce at the Llanelli plant. To have a company of such international standing commit to creating a further 85 jobs during such uncertain times is excellent news.

“For our part, our £4.4 million investment has helped to ensure that Calsonic Kansei and Wales have the necessary capacity and expertise to be a global leader in emerging EV technologies, particularly battery-cooling developments.”

Keiichiro Miyanaga, CEO of Calsonic Kansei in Europe, said: “This support will help us secure the necessary skills, products and investment in our Llanelli site to meet the rapidly evolving requirements from electrification within the automotive industry.

“Through investment in product development and manufacturing capacity within the site, we can ensure that we have the required capability to meet the future product needs of our key customers.”