BOSSES at Port Talbot's Intertissue paper mill are considering a massive expansion that could bring 150 jobs to the town.

It could see the state-of-the-art mill at the Baglan Energy Park, which already employs about 300 people, become half as big again.

But Port Talbot could face competition as parent company Sofidel is also considering possible locations in Germany for expansion.

The Sofidel group manufactures and sells a range of products, including toilet paper, tissues, kitchen paper and napkins.

Now it has asked Neath Port Talbot Council for a so-called scoping opinion, which is usually a precursor to a full planning application, on the proposed extension.

Phase one of the £70million complex at Baglan, one of the most advanced in Europe, opened in 2006.

The mill has an annual production of 60,000 tonnes using one paper machine, operating 24 hours a day with 12-hour shifts.

"The proposed development at the site will comprise an expansion of the existing activities and the installation of a second paper machine on site," the submission to Neath Port Talbot Council states.

"The manufacturing processes will be identical to those currently undertaken on site.

"This will result in a doubling of paper production at the Intertissue paper mill to approximately 120,000 tonnes.

"It is anticipated the proposed expansion will create in the region of 150 additional jobs."

A second phase development was included in the original planning consent for the paper mill, but that has now expired.

The company confirmed in its submission it was minded to submit a new full application for the extension.

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But it added: "Due to the international nature of Sofidel's operations, the group is also considering alternative locations in Germany for a similar expansion of production."

Neath Port Talbot Council's head of economic development Gordon Andrews said it would be extremely welcome news for the county if the expansion went ahead.

"Baglan Energy Park has a lot of positives in terms of its location and its proximity to the M4 — Intertissue is there to service the UK market, which it can do from Port Talbot," he said.

"They have the land available for expansion and a rail spur, should they choose to use it.

"I would argue the case for the energy park very strongly if there was to be an investment."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk