THE die has been cast on a Burnley firm’s bid for expansion.

Lupton and Place Ltd, based in Athletic Street, has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s leading diecasting companies since it was formed more than a century ago.

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The manufacturer is set to add five new jobs to its current workforce of 120 when it completes a 250 sq metre expansion later this year.

Managing director Steve Gill said the move was part of the company’s long-term growth plan and strategy to ensure it remains “at the leading edge” of the diecasting industry.

He said: “At Lupton and Place, we have been at the forefront of the diecasting industry for many years.

“And this expansion is part of our continuing commitment to invest in state-of-the-art technology, so that we can retain flexibility within a large customer base and continue to hold a commanding position on the global stage, which is great news for Burnley and our staff.

“As a family-run business in Burnley, employing more than 120 people, the expansion is set to increase production capacity, which already runs at more than 2 million castings per year, and ensure the company retains its leading position within the UK and Europe.”

The steel-framed extension was given planning permission by Burnley Council last November and is due to be completed by May.

The work will be coupled with additional investment in equipment and the the revamp will improve life for its neighbours in the Brunshaw area.

In its planning application, the firm said: “The proposed extension is attached to the current melting facility.

“It will enable us to introduce further furnaces and also transfer some existing furnaces from their current location. The transfer of the existing plant will benefit our residential neighbours on Culshaw Street as the activity will be moved away from our boundary towards the centre of our site.

“It is anticipated that a further five jobs will be created as a result of this increase in demand.”

The company provides castings for use in a diverse range of sectors including automotive, defence, electronics as well as white goods.