MILLIONS of pounds have been invested at BASF Metals Recycling Limited (formerly Engelhard) in Forest Vale, Cinderford, to recycle catalysts used in motor vehicles.

"It means a small number of extra jobs, which is good news for the local community, but more importantly it ensures the future of the site," said the company's communications manager, Chris Wilson.

BASF, based in the U.S., is opening new production, office and laboratory facilities in Forest Vale Road on Friday (September 23).

The event will be attended by town and district council officials, leaders from BASF and Cinderford site employees.

The new production plant will be used for recycling spent environmental catalysts from scrapped vehicles, helping to provide a more sustainable future.

The former site in Valley Road, Cinderford, opened in 1962. During 1983 the company opened the world's first refinery dedicated to the treatment of electronic scrap.

In 2006 the company was acquired by BASF, the world's leading chemical company, as part of the Engelhard acquisition.

This month the name of the company was changed from Engelhard Sales Ltd. to BASF Metals Recycling Ltd.