New jobs are being created through a multi-million pound redevelopment programme at MG Motor UK which will see its design centre double in size.

The latest phase of the rebirth of Longbridge will see substantial investments in the design studio, the engine test centre and the factory ahead of the launch of a new diesel version of the MG6 later this year.

Meanwhile, the Chinese-owned firm is recruiting new engineers and designers to work on the next generation of MG cars as the firm prepares to hit the export trail to mainland Europe within two years.

New production plans for MG Motor UK include the new diesel model and a Ford Fiesta-sized MG3 by the middle of next year, with a Ford Focus-sized MG5 and an MG SUV vehicle also in the pipeline.

The major expansion of the model line-up will see new jobs created at Longbridge as the Chinese owner looks to boost sales in the UK, China and eventually Europe.

MG Motor UK Press and PR Manager Doug Wallace said: “Work has just started on a huge £1.5 million redevelopment of the design centre which will double the size of it, and we are investing £1.4 million in the engine test centre which will allow us to design engines and transmissions for future products.

“In addition, £1.5 million is being invested in the factory to facilitate the introduction of the new diesel engine. It’s very much a gradual build process but we are getting there.

“The work on the design centre will be complete by the end of this year and the work on the other two areas will be slightly longer. It’s all systems go for us.”

MG Motor UK’s transformation of Longbridge has already seen around £450 million invested across the board, while the firm’s plans for new models, allied to a series of new engines, aim to substantially increase output by the end of 2013.

Meanwhile, jobs being created include specialists in body engineering, engines, transmissions, vehicle integration and design. MG has also recently expanded into Egypt, Uruguay and New Zealand.