A Newport-based managed service provider has won a contract to provide training to a global automotive manufacturer, creating four new jobs in the process.

The initial one-year contract will see Smart Solutions deliver training to 130 members of staff at Lawrence Automotive Interiors Limited, a global manufacturer and supplier of decorative trim to the automotive industry.

The contract will also see Smart Solutions establish a bespoke training centre at Lawrence Automotive’s manufacturing facility in Coventry to accommodate employees who will be studying towards a certificate in Performing Manufacturing Operations Apprenticeship. The training will enable employees to develop skills and accreditation in all areas of manufacturing. In addition, Smart Solutions has taken on four new members of staff in order to deliver the training.

Jon Hayward, managing director of Smart Solutions Training, said: “We have an established track record of providing training and staff development to companies in a whole range of sectors, but this is a significant milestone for us. It shows that we can mobilise contracts of this size but also shows that we are in in a position to establish onsite training facilities for clients who require it.

“The contract win reflects the growth of the business over the last few years and we are now able to not only move into new sectors, but also in a position to establish onsite training facilities for clients who require it.

“We deliver highly bespoke, personalised training solutions to companies across a range of sectors and now put around 2,000 people across the UK through our targeted training programmes each year. The growth we have experienced, since our launch in 2011, is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff to continually improve our training and development offering.”

Ceri Williams, HR manager of Lawrence Automotive, said: “Some of our staff were initially apprehensive about taking part in the Performing Manufacturing Operations programme. The Smart team have an approach that has put people at ease and assured them of the support they will get throughout the process.

“Now that the programme is in full swing, we can see the value it can bring in consolidating and improving people’s knowledge of their jobs. The flexibility to adapt the workshop sessions is proving a valuable means to cover specific learning requirements and address any gaps in knowledge that have become evident, as well as improving people’s general knowledge of our organisation.”

The training arm of Smart Solutions has more than doubled its workforce over the last year to 28, and is set to hit a £2 million turnover this year. Its clients include Biffa, Lloyds Banking and GE Healthcare with Smart Solutions Training achieving 11th fastest growing firm in Wales in this year’s Awards.

Smart Solutions was established in 2007 and has become one of Wales’ most successful emerging brands, receiving a Welsh “FAST GROWTH 50” award four times, the first business in Wales to do so.

Smart Solutions is a business support company that specialise in providing outsourced managed services to organisations, including recruitment and training. Headquartered at the Langstone Business Park in Newport, Smart Solutions has 33 service centres across the UK, including seven in Wales.