A COMPANY is driving forward despite the recession and has now expanded its operation in Newport.

Owens Road Services has leased almost 90,000 sq ft at the Reevesland Industrial Estate for a regional distribution centre, warehouse facility and vehicle service workshop.

It has created 45 new jobs and 120 people work at the centre.

The company will operate a "Just-in-time" facility from the warehouse in partnership with Ball Packaging Europe - one of the world's larges producers of containers for the beverage and food industry - as part of the supply network for a major brewery.

Managing director Huw Owen revealed further opportunities for expansion were being considered although there were constrictions.

"We are bucking the recession through sheer hard work and efficient management of the business."

However, he added, fuel taxation continued to create many problems and restricted the expansion programme. In the past year alone, duty on fuel cost the company £550,000.

Terry Knipe and Associates represented Owens Road Services and Cooke and Arkwright represented landlord Threadneedle Property Investments in the Reevesland Industrial Estate deal.

Terry Knipe said Owens had a transport yard in the region said they had been searching for suitably large warehouse accommodation with good access to the road network and the premises fitted all the requirements.

It became available after the previous occupier, Interbrew, consolidated its operation to Magor.

Jeremy Symons, of Cooke and Arkwright, said they had completed two transactions within the building in the past 12 months - renewing the lease to Hasbro and Owens moving in.

First established in South Wales in 1970, Owens Road Services employs more than 500 people and operates a fleet of more than 350 vehicles delivering everything from a pallet to 28-tonne industrial loads across the UK and Europe.