POLITICAL and business leaders across Gwent and Wales have welcomed luxury car maker TVR's move to Ebbw Vale.

The iconic British firm will produce its latest high-performance model at a new facility in the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone, with manufacturing set to begin in 2017.

This morning's announcement is expected to create 150 new jobs, with the investment being supported by the Welsh Government.

Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies hailed the announcement as a “shot in the arm for the manufacturing industry”.

He said: “I am determined that this announcement will be the beginning of a new era for Ebbw Vale and the whole of Blaenau Gwent.

"We have a proud industrial heritage, we know what hard work is and manufacturing has been the lifeblood of these communities for generations.

"Now, with the creation and promotion of the Enterprise Zone, the dualling of the Heads of the Valleys, the delivery of SuperFast broadband and investment in new industrial infrastructure and modern apprenticeships we have turned Blaenau Gwent into an attractive proposition for businesses."

Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent, added: "A big thumbs up to the Labour Welsh Government and TVR for making this happen in Blaenau Gwent.

“These will be quality jobs in a growing sector and will be an important boost to the local economy. As the Heads of the Valleys road improvements take shape, let’s hope this announcement is the first of many.”

The news is a further business boost for Wales, after fellow car maker Aston Martin announced last month it would be opening a new factory in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Martin Whitaker is CEO of The Circuit of Wales - a £315m project to transform 830 acres of Blaenau Gwent into an international motorsport circuit, technology park and training facility. It will host the British MotoGP until at least 2019.

Mr Whittaker said: “Today’s news regarding TVR’s production facility in the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone is fantastic news for the region.

"Paired with Aston Martin’s recent announcement, it reinforces our vision of Ebbw Vale and the South Wales region growing into a cluster of excellence for automotive and related industries.”

The new Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, added: "TVR's investment in Ebbw Vale shows the confidence the company has in the skills-base and the business environment in Wales, and is further proof that this country is very much open for business."

Cllr Graham Bartlett, Blaenau Gwent Council’s executive member for economic development, called the announcement a "major boost for the area".

He said: "This is fantastic news, giving the area the opportunity to build on firm foundations and further establish itself as a good place to do business, with much improved transport links, a skilled and educated workforce and strong links to the higher education sector."

And Plaid Cymru candidate for Blaenau Gwent, Nigel Copner, told the Argus: "I'm delighted that TVR have placed such a vote of confidence in Ebbw Vale and the people of Blaenau Gwent by announcing the opening of its new production facility in Ebbw Vale.

"This is great news for an area crying out for investment and opportunity for local people."