TIME-branded computers are to be produced in East Lancashire again eight months after the previous manufacturers collapsed with the loss of 580 jobs.

A new company called Time UK Factory Ltd, backed by Time's original founders, has announced plans to begin producing PCs and large screen televisions from Simonstone.

It will be the first time the factory has produced computers since Granville Technology Group (GTG), former owners of the Time brand, went into administration in July 2005 amid spiralling debts.

Time UK Factory Ltd have bought a number of the assets of a manufacturing company, VMT, which went into administration at the same time as GTG, and with it the right to use the Time brand.

VMT were manufacturers of computers, and were also licensed to use the Time brand.

The new company is also launching a direct sales operation, TIMEUK.com, to sell direct to the public.

Brian Trevaskiss, a spokesman for the company, said: "The Time factory is up and running and our direct sales operation will be starting in February or the beginning of March.

"We currently have around 30 employees, but we expect this to grow when we begin the direct sales operation."

Mr Trevaskiss said the company would not rule out taking on former employees or some of those made redundant at the neaby Philips TV glass factory last year.

He said: "Obviously there are people that associate the Time brand with the demise of Granville Technology Group.

"But we would like to think there are customers that still appreciate the Time brand"

Today a spokesman for the administrators dealing with both GTGroup and VMT confirmed that assets had been sold to Time UK Factory Ltd, and the firm were using the Time brand.

Graham Coxon, regional organiser for the GMB union, said: "I am happy about any new jobs being brought into this area but whatever jobs they create are not going to replace the 500 people that went."

Mr Trevaskiss was keen to stress that Time's original founders, Tahir Mohsan and Dr Tariq Mohammed, are not directors in the company and are involved only with support and advice on a consultancy basis.

He stressed none of GTG's directors were involved in the new firm. Dr Tariq Mohammed, referred inquiries to Mr Trevaskiss.

According to Companies House, Mr Mohsan's younger brother Zia Mohsan is listed as a director of Time UK Factory.

Salim Hasan, director of product development at Time UK Factory, added: "We have employed staff from the local area who have previously worked in consumer electronics assembly and therefore have the relevant skill set.

"This, combined with the goodwill and support shown by all concerned, including support from the original founders of TIME, will help to maintain this factory as one of the largest IT manufacturing sites in Europe."

Time Computers was founded in 1987 by Blackburn's Tahir Mohsan and his brother Dr Tariq Mohammed.