Brussels, 03/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has authorised Italy to grant €74.5 million in aid to Fibre Ottiche Sud Srl (a Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi Telecom subsidiary) as part of the regional aid framework for large investment projects. The project aims at the extension of capacity of an existing plant, designed to produce optical fibres for telecommunications. Production will begin in January 2003 and be in full full capacity by the end of 2003. The Commission concluded that the aid corresponded to the maximum allowed under European rules. The Commission also took into account that the project will create 311 direct jobs and 108 indirect jobs. The plant will be situated in Battipaglia, Campania, an assisted area in southern Italy.