Honda today launched a major recruitment drive for 500 production operators.

The new workers will join the expanding manufacturing operations at the company's South Marston plant where it already employs more than 3,000 people.

The news come a day after local bakery R&K Wise announced it was closing its two factories with the loss of 540 jobs.

Honda spokeswoman Carolyn Johnston said the jobs on offer involved work in various areas of the plant.

They include welding, paint and on the assembly lines, the second of which is in the new plant being built and which should be coming on line in the middle of next year.

She said: "By then both plants will be producing cars although it has not yet been decided which models new Civic, Accord or CRV ranges will be built where.

"What we are looking for right now is to fill about 500 permanent staff jobs.

"This is a part of our already announced long-range recruitment drive that will see us having a workforce of 3,500 by the end of next January rising to 4,000 by the end of 2002 when both factories are in full production.

"This is a general recruitment drive to support the company's expansion plans, the present phase of which will see the opening of the new assembly line in the middle of next year with the important new Honda small car for Europe starting production." The company's Swindon plant is already preparing for the full production of the new five-door Honda Civic, which will be exported both to the European market and to Japan. By the end of 2001 the factory will be capable of producing 250,000 cars annually.

Ms Johnston said: "All this is good news for Honda in Swindon and the continuing expansion demonstrates the confidence that Honda has in the skills of the local workforce.

"Honda is very appreciative of the ongoing support for its expansion from the local community and this latest recruitment drive is a tribute to the skills available here."

Anyone interested in applying for one of the new jobs should call Wyvern Staff on Swindon 715519.