AN ambitious engineering firm in Pendle – previously involved in record-breaking cars and boats – looks set to improve its stock in the aerospace industry with Rolls Royce.

Bosses at PDS Engineering, based in Nelson, are hopeful that seven new approvals from the company will allow the Cliffe Street operation to expand in the near future.

Before now the company, which was a partner in the Thrust Supersonic Car project, had been able to conduct sub-contract machining for the aerospace giant.

But with the new approvals in place the company, also involved in rebuilding Donald Campbell’s famed Bluebird boat, can purchase material for Rolls Royce.

This will enable the company to secure a wider range of contracts with the multinational, which has two major plants, Bankfield and Ghyll Brow, in Barnoldswick.

Managing director Annette Weeks said: “We are delighted to have gained these new approvals with Rolls Royce, one of the top aerospace engineering companies in the world.

“It’s a great achievement which further strengthens our existing relationship with Rolls Royce.

“It shows a high level of confidence in a supplier to even be considered for these approvals so being successful is a brilliant accomplishment for us.

“We’re very proud to be able to call ourselves a Rolls Royce-approved company and to be flying the flag for local manufacturing.”

In order to secure the approvals, the firm had to undergo rigorous checks and testing by Rolls’ specialists on site.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, who is treasurer of the All-Party Parliamentary Aerospace Group, has praised the company’s achievement during a tour of the facility.