JAGUAR is believed to be poised to announce the construction of a new engine plant near Stafford within days - creating 1,000 jobs in the region.
The i54 business park at Fordhouses, between Stafford and Wolverhampton, is one of three potential locations on a shortlist for the factory by the iconic car manufacturer.
In June it was reported that chief executive Ralf Speth had chosen the site after meeting with union officials. However, no official announcement has been made.
Speculation mounted last week after Mark Prisk, Conservative and Enterprise Minister made a high-profile visit to the region and confirmed a business park in Wales had been ruled-out of the race - putting the i54 development in a straight fight with a rival in India.
He also suggested Jaguar's parent group Tata might look more favourably on the Staffordshire site because of its good supply chain links.
Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said: "The chances are that it will come here more than it won't. If it does happen I would be absolutely thrilled.
"We have fantastic transport links and a committed workforce in Staffordshire. I have always believed the UK has a major role to play in the automotive industry." Unions and the Government have been locked in talks with Tata in recent weeks as they bid for financial aid and discuss terms and conditions.
It is thought bosses had to make a decision on whether or not to buy the i54 land before a deadline of the end of June.
If confirmed, the development, located 12 miles from Stafford, would be the latest in a string of postitive announcements for local jobseekers. Last week, retailgiant Amazon confirmed it was creating 1,000 jobs in the region at a huge warehouse in Rugeley.
MP Lefroy also held a jobs fair on Friday attended by Minister for Work and Pensions, Chris Grayling at Stafford Leisure Centre.
Figures released last week showed that at the end of June, the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Stafford Constituency had fallen from 1,779 to 1,453.
Mr Lefroy added: "I believe we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
"Tackling unemployment and brining new jobs to Stafford remains my top priority.
We are seeing encouraging news but can never become complacent and I will continue to promote Stafford as a place to come and do business." Jaguar would join a host of high-profile companies already located on the i54.
Top scientific firm Eurofins Laboratories was given the green light to build a new laboratory facility at the i54 in January after securing permission from South Staffordshire Council.
And in April, Aerospace Group Moog began work on the first phase of a new 250,000 square feet facility.
