A SPECIALIST military communications firm should be employing 300 people in Gwent by this time next year.

General Dynamics UK, which has been created to handle the £1.7bn Min-istry of Defence Bowman project, signed the papers for its new "home" in Gwent at the weekend. Managing director Larry Johnson (pictured) said all they are waiting on is the completion of the installation of the communications network in its new premises.

GDUK is the new name of Computing Devices Canada (CDC) which won the contract to build the latest communications systems for the British Army.

The US firm is setting up its business at Oakdale Business Park and it is widely expected that it presence will act as a catalyst for other firms to come to the area.

Welsh Office under secretary of state and Islwyn MP Don Touhig, who initially brought CDC to Oakdale to view the site, said: "We have a lot to offer here and this business park at Oakdale will become one of the premier business parks in Wales and we are delighted that the first major company that is coming here is one of international standing and repute.

"The (General Dynamics) factory will draw other companies and other investments here like a magnet."

Mr Johnson, who signed the lease for the site with landlords Caerphilly council, said: "This the first really significant step forward for us. We haven't been able to really get started until we had a good facility.

"We are looking forward to moving in as soon as possible so we can spread our wings and get to work."

He also praised the efforts of Mr Touhig.