Car giant Jaguar Land Rover is to spend an extra £1 billion with suppliers in the UK over the next four years, and plans to create 300 jobs.
The firm said the extra spending followed continued global demand for the Range Rover Evoque and was on top of £2 billion of supply contracts awarded to more than 40 firms last year.
A new logistics facility will open this summer in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, where the new jobs will be based.
Chief executive Dr Raif Speth said: "Today's announcements demonstrate JLR's strong products and clear ambition for continued growth. The demand we have seen across the globe for the Range Rover Evoque means we are able to significantly increase what we spend with our suppliers, which is great news for the UK economy, and the thousands of jobs JLR supports in its supply chain.
"Our commitment to the North West will also be enhanced with the new logistics facility and this will support the future success of both our Freelander 2 and Range Rover Evoque models."
PA
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