A new project by a leading Sussex company could bring up to 150 new jobs to a seaside town.

Computing Devices, the biggest private sector employer in Hastings, is investing over £5 million in the new initiative.

The company, which is part of the $10 billion General Dynamics, one of the world's top defence contractors, is making the technology developed for the defence sector available to private businesses.

The move should see the Hastings workforce expand from 500 to 650 over the next two years and the opening of a division in Lancashire.

The venture, known as Activation IKM, offers mission critical IT solutions expertise to the commercial and public sectors.

Activation IKM will be the commercial wing of the award-winning Sussex company, which has been delivering technology solutions to the defence sector for 40 years.

A new site in the town has been found for the division.

Announcing the launch, Activation IKM's vice-president Andrew Browne said it was great news for the company and for Hastings.

The first product in the portfolio, ActiPol, had also been launched.

Mr Browne said: "This will allow companies to control the traffic through their IT network.

"For example, if the payroll is due, then more of the network can be freed up to ensure this can be completed.

"Less important applications, such as e-mail, can be downgraded so as to make this extra bandwidth available.

"This technology gives non-IT managers the power to adapt and prioritise the company's systems through a graphical interface.

"It lets them respond to commercial, emergency or seasonal demands instantly, without having to depend on the IT staff.

"In turn, this frees up systems personnel to concentrate on less routine tasks.

"This new venture will see substantial investment in Hastings and the surrounding areas, laying the foundations for local job creation."

Last year, turnover at Computing Devices was in excess of £40 million.

Mr Browne said the company would initially be targeting larger organisations but expects the technology to be available to smaller firms within 18 months.

Hastings MP Michael Foster said: "Activation IKM is exactly what Hastings needs - modern, high-tech enterprise and investment.

"Computing Devices' decision to base its new enterprise in this area will help to build the message that Hastings is a progressive location.

"It offers business and employment opportunities not only to the local community but also to companies seeking to relocate.

"This is excellent news for the local economy."