Tarn is cheaper than China

“It makes sense economically,” said Valérie Boutet, communications director of UniConcept-Swiss Charger.

“The company will pay less in transport and import duties, and gain in flexibility, so the parts will actually be cheaper to produce here.”

The move will create up to 100 jobs, a big win for the town, after another local firm Alphacan recently shed 92 jobs.

The Gaillac - Chinese connection began after one of the residents who had experience of doing business in China helped set up a cultural exchange.

Gaillac is now twinned with the town of Qi Gong and will be holding a Chinese lantern festival later this year.

Mayor Patrice Gausserand has visited China, the junior football team is booked to compete in a tournament there in July, the town will represent France at a Food Production Salon in Pekin and the lycée’s Chinese classes are over-subscribed.