NEW manufacturing jobs in the hi-tech world of digital television are on the cards for the South.

Hampshire-based ACW Techno-logy has joined forces with Tandberg Television, based at Hedge End to pioneer the latest in viewing technology.

As part of the deal ACW is taking on the Hampshire manufacturing role of Tandberg and has plans to recruit up to 100 more people in the next 12 months for a new circuit board production line to be introduced at the Strategic Park site.

Staff from Tandberg's manufacturing unit will transfer to ACW while the television giant will continue to expand its sales, research and development work which employs around 400 people at Hedge End and Stoneham.

Tandberg says it has been looking for a suitable manufacturing partner which means it can concentrate on researching and developing new technology for the future.

ACW, which is based at Petersfield, has a strong reputation in its field and with Tandberg added to its list of customers continues its major expansion plans.

Tandberg president Joergen Bredesen said: "ACW has the skills and expertise needed to help us build a world class operation fit to meet the challenges of the digital era."

He said that having ACW take on the 68,000 sq ft unit meant that manufacturing could be maintained in Hedge End, next door to Tandberg's offices.

Around 120 staff would transfer to ACW with the deal's completion.

ACW's Chris Woods said: "This is an exciting deal for all at ACW and it supports our business growth and expansion. Through this deal we will win an important customer, benefit from the transfer of highly skilled Tandberg people and increase our capacity by taking over a modern manufacturing facility.''