The news that Norfolk car maker Lotus plans to create 300 new jobs in 2018 has been hailed as a vote of confidence in the county.
On Saturday, Lotus announced plans to create hundreds of new jobs and revealed that the company's next generation of sports cars would be built at its Norfolk site in Potash Lane, Hethel.
The 300 new jobs will consist of 250 engineer and technician roles and 50 new staff appointed in other departments across the company.
South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon said he was not surprised by the announcement: 'It was quite clear from quite early on that when Geely invested in Lotus there would be future investment and that the Norfolk heritage of Lotus was important and valued.'
The Lotus announcement came at an opportune moment after a spate of high-profile job loss announcements – including at Unilever, BAE Systems and Multiyork.
Mr Bacon said: 'Businesses will always take different views on investments depending on their own profiles. This news shows that businesses are looking forward to a world post Brexit.
'It is a vote of confidence in Norfolk and a vote of confidence in Lotus, which I hope will go from strength to strength.'
Chris Starkie, chief executive of Norfolk LEP, echoed Mr Bacon's comments, saying: 'The investment is clearly good news for Lotus employees and the wider Norfolk economy.
'When Geely acquired Lotus we were confident that the move would help secure its future, because of the company's track record.
'We have been talking to Lotus, about their plans and will continue to work with them,
'This is a clearly a vote of confidence in the region and Lotus and it is a one of a number of business to continue to invest in the region.'
Leader of South Norfolk Council John Fuller said: 'Lotus innovations have found themselves incorporated into nearly every car market and it's great news that the company has realistic plans to develop and extend its reach further, to improve job prospects at Hethel and the wider supply chain where even more jobs and prospects are spread throughout East Anglia.'
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