AN Altham manufacturing company has boosted productivity after sending its staff back to college.

More than 80 employees from non-woven textile speclialist BMP Europe Ltd have received qualifications in Business Improvement Technique run by Preston College.

BMP Production Manager, Les Readfearn, said: “We knew what we wanted to achieve if we were to maintain our position as a world leader in high precision engineered elastomer materials and components.

"We have to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations for quality, service, costs and innovation.”

Mr Readfearn praised the college’s approach on the NVQ Diploma course.

He added: “Training was given in tandem with the projects and delivered in bitesize chunks so that the normal working week was not adversely affected. I am delighted with the way things have worked out.

"Patrick Black the college’s practitioner, expertly facilitated the programme. "The projects achieved what we set out to do and there has been a positive impact on the bottom line.

MD Mark Arrowsmith added: “Our business depends on the innovation, drive and determination of all our staff to meet the increasing demands of our customers. I am fortunate that we have such staff. We are well placed to meet the challenges.”

Brian Wohlters, Business Development Manager at Preston College added: “BMP staff has been excellent throughout the programme and the results are clear to see.

"My congratulations to them all.”