AN East Lancashire firm is looking to have taken on 50 new staff by 2018.

Refrigerated vehicle specialist CoolKit Ltd, which is based at Shuttleworth Mead business park, in Padiham, has already taken on 16 workers as sales have risen by 47 per cent.

The expansion has seen the firm, which was established in 2005, almost double its manufacturing capacity by adding an extra 5,500 sq ft facility close to its existing 12,000 sq ft facilities in Padiham.

The company, which offers a broad range of services from conversions to sales and from van hire to transport, currently employs 38 people.

CoolKit managing director Rupert Gatty says the extra capacity will improve turnaround times and increase holding capacity, with space for 150 vehicles on site at any one time.

Mr Gatty said: “As well as increasing our manufacturing capacity and improving our already impressive order turnaround times, the changes will help the company from an internal perspective to better differentiate between manufacturing and fitting.

"Separating manufacturing and fitting will allow manufacturing to become more streamlined and improve the working environment.”

Last month it has invested in new machining technology, with a Computer Numerical Control, a worktable that incorporates a five-axis head to produce plastics, resins and light alloys.

Mr Gatty added: “This is a very exciting development for us. We anticipate that our new machine will lift our quality and productivity to new levels.

“This new technology will allow us to reduce production time by up to 75 per cent while producing product that is better engineered, easier to install and therefore even more effective in regulating temperature.

"In addition, we plan to utilise it to develop a range of new components, whilst also working on product improvements and innovations."

Meanwhile, a one-time work experience lad has been promoted to sales director.

Cameron Javed, 26, graduated in business administration with honours in 2010 and joined following a successful work placement and has since progressed through sales executive to business development manager to sales manager and now sales director.

Cameron said: “This is a very exciting time for CoolKit. We have recently experienced record sales and expanded our premises and invested heavily in new equipment to meet demand.”