A TREDEGAR-based company say that 150 new jobs could be created in the area over the next five years if their plans to expand are approved.

Eurocaps Ltd have submitted a planning application to Blaenau Gwent council to extend their premises on the Crown Business Park.

The company have supplied the nutritional supplement market with non-gelatine ‘softgel’ capsules from their base since 1994.

But increased market demand for its products have led to Eurocaps proposing to extend its onsite production area, as well as creating 60 additional car parking spaces.

Other plans include a new changing room facility north of the new production area, an extension to the company’s warehouse and a canopy linking new and existing facilities together.

A statement from Eurocaps reads: “‘The business growth has been founded on our staff’s ability to develop and manufacture an ever-growing portfolio of complex product including licensed nutraceuticals

“As the complexity of our project range grows as does the regulatory body’s (MHRA) requirements for containment and segregation.

“The new extension will address this issue and will allow for a more satisfactorily arrangement for the movement of goods between the various areas of the buildings.”

According to a council officer’s report, Eurocaps have “evidenced their commitment” to Tredegar by purchasing a separate unit within the same block on the industrial estate.

The report continues: “They have advised that such acquisition and the current proposals will generate approximately 150 new jobs over the next five years with 75 of these likely to become available in the next 12 months.

“In terms of principle I therefore support the proposal and welcome the benefits that might be derived from this significant expansion of an established business in the borough.

“The creation of 150 new jobs over the next five years is obviously to be welcomed and likely to be a significant boost to the local economy.”

The application, which has been recommended for approval, will be discussed by the council’s planning committee on Thursday July 5.