A CHILDREN’S bicycle manufacturer will open its first UK-based factory in Pontypool in June, creating up to 50 new jobs in the process.

Frog Bikes make lightweight bicycles for children, with the first products from the manufacturing facility in Mamhilad expected to go on sale this summer.

The decision to bring production to south Wales was helped with financial aid of nearly £2 million and Welsh Government support, after a successful 2015 for the Surrey-based company.

Jerry Lawson, co-founder of Frog Bikes said: “The new operation will enable us to be more responsive to the market, have more control over quality, introduce innovations faster, reduce our environmental footprint, and create jobs to benefit the UK economy.

“There were times during 2015 when we couldn’t keep up with demand, and customers were left disappointed. We recognised that the time had come to re-shore our production model.”

Mr Lawson created the company with his wife, Shelley, after they taught their own children to ride bikes, but felt models for kids were too heavy and badly designed.

In order to bring production to Pontypool, the company received funding from HSBC £1.7 million as well as the support from Welsh Government.

“This is a significant investment for a business of our size,” added Mr Lawson.

It wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of HSBC. We are very grateful to Tom Gooder and his team at HSBC for their on-going support.”

Edwina Hart AM, the economy minister, said: “I am delighted to welcome Frog Bikes to Wales and pleased support from the Welsh Government helped secure this project for Wales where it will create a significant number of jobs in Torfaen.”

The company has worked with Team GB bike designer Dimitris Katsanis and sells to 800 independent bicycle stores in the UK, and 24 countries overseas.

Frog Bikes was also named as Export Business of the Year at the Start-ups Awards last year.