ABOUT a dozen port jobs are being created at a new paper-handling factory on the Isle of Grain near Rochester - and there could be more to come.

The Thamesport container terminal has signed a 15-year deal with Winpac (UK), part of a European sheeting and logistics group with an existing local depot in Belvedere.

Winpac is investing £2.5 million in the 30,000 sq ft factory aimed at expanding its paperboard and paper processing, packaging and distribution operation.

Keith Wild, managing director, said: “We going to increase the size of the operation when we move, probably increasing the workforce by about 10 to 12 people.”

Some people might switch from Belvedere, he said, but most would be new recruits. If expansion continued as expected, there should be more jobs to come. “We could see that increase to 20 or 25,” added Mr Wild.