Mr. Emanuele Bosio who is the Managing director of Sogefi SpA, which is the parent company of Sogefi Filtration Limited at a meeting with Mr. Rhodri Morgan at the Sogefi Filtration plant at Tredegar, Wales has announced investment in excess of £8.0 Million for its two South Wales manufacturing plants.

This major investment will be used to introduce new filter technology in order to further strengthen and consolidate its market leading position in automotive filtration and significantly increase its market share in the heavy duty sector.

In addition the company forecast a large increase in manufacturing volumes through 2005 and beyond which will create an additional 125 jobs over the next two years.

Mr. Bosio expressed his thanks to the National Assembly for all its support in the past and its help with this current project. He also paid tribute to the entire workforce at both sites in South Wales for their continued commitment, dedication and support which he identified as one of the key factors that have ensured the success of the company in a very competitive market sector. He also acknowledged these attributes had in no small way influenced the decision to make this major investment in South Wales.

The companies continuing success which has resulted in this significant investment is excellent news for its customers, employees and the South Wales automotive economy.

Sogefi whose aftermarket filter brands include Coopers, Crosland and Fram in the UK are world–wide market leaders in automotive filtration, selling more than one million oil, air, fuel and cabin filters every day.