A leading manufacturer firm has announced plans for a new 'state-of-the-art', 60,000 sq. ft heavy machining and nuclear fabrication facility in Blackburn.

The new division of the WEC Group, is set to become one of the largest subcontract machining facilities in Europe. 

Located Walker Park the development will be adjacent to the company's existing WEC Machining facility as well as the Group’s recently inaugurated Apprentice Academy.

WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication facility is expected to create 60 new jobs including 10 additional machining apprentices.

Chief executive of machining at WEC Group, Steve Fitzpatrick said: "Our £10 million investment in WEC Heavy Machining and Nuclear Fabrication underscores our ongoing commitment to adding value to our customers’ supply chains and this consolidates our position in the UK’s number one subcontract manufacturing company.

"With this new facility, we are not only expanding our capacity but also enhancing our overall ability to deliver turnkey solutions for large and oversized projects."

The facility will be equipped with six large CNC machining centres, capable of handling components up to 20 metres in length and five meters in diameter, significantly expanding the Group’s existing capabilities, which already include three large Correa Axia’s and an Asquith Butler travelling column large milling machines already in place within the group’s existing Blackburn and Darwen facilities.

Group managing director, Steve Hartley said: "This expansion is a pivotal part of our strategy to maintain and extend our leadership in the subcontract manufacturing industry. 

"We are proud to invest in not only our company's future but also in the economic growth of Blackburn and the wider region."

The company has been at the forefront of the UK metal fabrication and engineering industry for more than 40 years and has 900 staff at nine manufacturing sites in Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire and the West Midlands.