A UNIQUE hi-tech plant is to open in Swindon creating 100 jobs and with the possibility of hundreds more.

Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells produces components for fuel cells, a power source which could one day replace the internal combustion engine.

It will construct the world's first dedicated membrane electrode assembly (MEA) production facility at Lydiard Fields, just off Junction 16 of the M4, in August.

About 100 specialist assembly workers are being recruited to work in the three acre complex, which is being built on a 10-acre site the company owns.

Recruitment has already started. Those taken on will work at other locations in the UK until the Lydiard Fields site opens.

Depending on market demand, another 200 people could be employed to work at a second plant adjoining the first, housing manufacturing lines, offices, staff facilities and warehousing.

Dr Jack Frost, director of Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, said: "Swindon is an excellent location for this new high technology plant.

"We looked at sites all over the world and Swindon offered the best location for this new business.

"It has very good communication links, and Heathrow and other airports are accessible.

"The Swindon area is a centre for high technology and modern industry, and the area has many skilled and dedicated workers. That will help us recruit the high quality workforce we will require."

Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells is a world leader in producing catalysts and catalysed components for fuel cells.

It was formed in April 2000, dedicated to the development and manufacture of catalysts, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), fuel processors, and catalysed components for low temperature fuel cell systems.

The Swindon site will be making MEAs, which form part of the fuel cell.

The company currently employs more than 150 people across Europe, USA and Japan.

Kvaerner, the international oil services and products, engineering and construction, and shipbuilding group, has been awarded the contract to design and manage the initial project phase.

Malcolm Stewart, managing director of Kvaerner's UK process business, said: "We're particularly pleased that Johnson Matthey has selected Kvaerner to support its production scale implementation of this element of fuel cell technology."