ALYN and Deeside MP Mark Tami has welcomed a decision by a major manufacturer to bring more production to Flintshire.

Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) announced on Wednesday that it is to supply hybrid electric vehicles to Suzuki.

Based on the Toyota Corolla Wagon platform, it is expected to start towards the end of 2020.

The vehicles themselves are to be produced at TMUK Burnaston and the hybrid engine at TMUK Deeside.

A spokesman for the firm said volume details have not been announced but are expected to be within TMUK’s existing manufacturing capacity - which means little to no impact to investment/employment.

TMUK managing director Marvin Cooke said: “This is good news for our UK plants and demonstrates Toyota’s trust in the capability of our workforce to deliver the highest levels of superior quality products.

"Seeking to produce additional volume for other customers is one example of all the efforts we are making to keep our UK manufacturing operations as competitive as they can be.

“We have consistently said for the medium to longer term, continued free and frictionless trade and common automotive technical standards will be essential to support the international competiveness of the UK automotive sector."

Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside said: “I welcome this announcement. "We have an extremely highly skilled workforce here in Deeside and also in Burnaston and I am pleased that Toyota have yet again entrusted them with this new project.

“Toyota have again reiterated how important free and frictionless trade is for the long term future of their UK operations.

"Businesses like Toyota need clarity from this Government to ensure there is continued investment in the future.”

To date Toyota has invested more than £2.75 billion in its UK operations since start of production, including the recent £240 million to upgrade the Burnaston vehicle plant to produce the new Corolla.

TMUK currently employs over 3,200 people across both plants.