More than 30 jobs have been created in a Powys town, following the expansion of a company which makes black box recorders for military vehicles.

Dytecna Systems Engineering will open a production base in Welshpool on Wednesday, with the creation of 35 jobs.

The 12,000 sq feet unit has been developed by the Welsh Assembly Government on Offa’s Dyke Business Park.

The unit will be opened by Dr Geraint Davies, Mid Wales executive director of the Assembly’s economy and trade department.

A company spokesman said the expansion was a major part of the company’s plans for the future.

“It will be a technology centre of excellence for the whole Dytecna group, which is a rapidly expanding company,” he said.

“We have seen turnover increase from £4 million in 2002 to £25 million at the end of the last financial year.

“The new centre represents a major expansion of the company’s activities in Welshpool.”

The spokesman said the black box technology was used in military vehicles and provides information and recordings on the condition of electronic systems within the vehicles.

The systems are also being installed on rail stock and in UK naval vessels to monitor engines.

The official opening of the unit is also being used as an open day by the company to showcase its product range.