As a piece to the bigger picture of the auto industry's turnaround, Rhett's company, Carbi-Tech, makes dies and stamps brass-plated parts used in throttle and brake controls for Ford, Chrysler, suppliers in Canada, and Delphi Automotive LLP.

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It was formerly owned by Ford and Visteon before being acquired by Canada-based Linamar Corporation in 2009.

BBC: Talks due over Swansea car parts plant

The fuel cell development work will use existing facilities, including the site of a joint venture between Daimler and Ford to develop fuel cells in Vancouver, Canada.

BBC: Nissan FCEV on display at a car show in Brussels in January