SECRETARY for Trade and Industry Patricia Hewitt visited Hapton yesterday to open the new £6.5million premises of Smiths Aerospace Components-Burnley Ltd.

The firm is part of the Smiths Group - a market leader in aerospace systems, detection systems, medical devices and mechanical seals.

It recently landed a £40million contract with Rolls Royce to supply post-production engine components over the next five years. The contract, which has helped safeguard the long-term future of a business that employs 300 people in the area, covers parts for civil, military, industrial and marine engines for a range of aircraft, including Hawk, Jaguar and Harrier, as well as Boeings 747, 757 and 767.

The minister was on hand to celebrate the official opening of the new premises at Bentley Wood Way, Network 65 Business Park, Hapton.

Opening the new building , she said: "Too many people say that manufacturing is dying. The truth is that when we see investment like this coming to one place it shows that we can be one of the world's leaders."