A NEWPORT steel firm is to create 40 jobs after winning £9.6m worth of contracts.

AIC Steel, who are based at the former Rowecord site opposite the Transporter Bridge, announced that the jobs will be created by December.

The Newport-based arm of international structural steel firm AIC Steel Group will boost its workforce to 120 after winning 23 contracts worth £9.6m within six months.

Engineers, project managers, surveyors and steel fabricators will be recruited at its base, which was launched as the Group’s manufacturing hub in March following a £10m investment in the former Rowecord plant.

Lord Livingston, Minister for Trade and Investment visited AIC Steel’s base today as the news was announced and was given a tour of the 28,000 square metre plant which provides an annual output capacity of approximately 25,000 tons of structural steel.

The Minister was introduced to members of staff who are fabricating steel for high-profile projects, including the company’s recently awarded £1.6m contract for Old Burlington Street in London’s Mayfair.

He said: "Cutting edge companies like AIC Steel highlight why the UK is a great place to do business. Leading edge innovation and skills are two of the reasons why the UK is the top destination for foreign investment in Europe. I hope to see other companies seizing the great potential for business growth in the UK and Wales in particular.”

CEO of AIC Steel UK, Michael Treacy, added: “We are delighted to recruit 40 new members of staff into our highly skilled and talented workforce. Engaging with the local community and establishing a team of people who have passion for the industry is absolutely key to our growth strategy.

“AIC Steel has a reputation for delivering work on a global scale and our recent UK-based contract wins, including the re-development of Bristol City Football Stadium, adds to our portfolio of signature projects. Job responsibilities will include designing, fabricating and erecting structural steel for the UK construction industry across a range of projects and sectors.

The company, which seeks to turnover £20m by next year, plans to create many more roles in 2015, in addition to establishing an apprenticeship scheme to harness further talent in the engineering industry.