PLANS by a Hay-on-Wye company to create 100 new jobs for the town have been welcomed by the Welsh Development Agency.

Brecon Pharmaceuticals Ltd is to expand its high-tech pharmaceutical packaging facility at the Wye Valley Business Park.

The company plans to double the size of its operation to cater for its continued rapid growth.

A major recruitment drive is planned, with Brecon looking to recruit from a wide area. The new expansion will ultimately take its workforce to more than 330 personnel, making it one of the largest employers in the region.

The WDA, which has already supported part of the expansion, is currently in discussions with the company regarding additional support.

Planning permission has already been approved for a new 30,000 sq. ft business unit to house the additional production facilities.

WDA chief executive Graham Hawker, during a visit to the company this week, said: "It is particularly pleasing to see a company at the leading edge of pharmaceutical packaging having its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in rural Wales.

"This once again highlights how companies from a diverse range of sectors can succeed in our rural communities."

During 2003 Brecon became the first in its field to gain an industry accreditation for its clinical trials supplies. It was also awarded the Investors in People standard in recognition of its commitment to training and development.