When the investment programme is complete employee numbers will be more than 400, a 60% increase from 2016.

Phil Bryant, governor of Mississippi, said: "Mississippi is a strong manufacturing state, and prominent companies like the Weir Group and its ESCO division in Newton know our workforce is one of the best in the world. Workers strive every day to produce world-class products like Weir's quality mining equipment for its global consumers. The products manufactured at the Newton facility demonstrate ‘Made in Mississippi' is truly a stamp of quality worldwide."

The Newton facility, one of Weir's largest manufacturing operations, produces ground engaging tools (GETs) for mining and infrastructure needs. The products are critical to the safe, efficient and sustainable extraction of natural resources. The expansion is slated to be complete by August 2019.

Jon Stanton, CEO of Weir Group, said: "We chose to increase our investment in Newton because it is home to highly skilled people who are passionate about producing world-class products. The equipment we make in Mississippi is exported around the world and the increased demand from our mining and infrastructure customers gives us great confidence in the future."

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for workforce training, as well as statutory tax exemptions.

Approximately 80% of the products manufactured at the Newton facility are exported, making Weir's ESCO division one of the world's leading suppliers of ground engaging tools for the mining industry. The facility began operations in Newton in 1971.