A MANUFACTURING firm has delivered a boost to Blackburn’s economy after announcing plans to create 50 new jobs.

Toilet roll maker Accrol Papers - one of the town’s fastest-growing companies - will recruit as part of ambitious £6million expansion plans.

Bosses want to extend the firm’s current site, on the Roman Road industrial estate, to make more space for warehousing and could also move on to next-door council-owned land.

Talks with Blackburn town hall are continuing about acquiring the site, which is used as a vehicle depot.

Accrol, which is one of the UK’s largest independent toilet roll suppliers, last year notched up sales of £38million and hopes to reach £52million in 2011.

And the firm is confident the expansion can push turnover up to £65million by next year.

Commercial director Tim Bullough said: “We have enjoyed a period of strong growth in recent years and we expect this to continue.

“The investment in state-of-the-art machinery has helped us to improve efficiency and production flexibility, thereby enabling us to keep one step ahead of our competitors.”

Mr Bullough said a planning application for the extension would be submitted ‘in the next few months’.

The new jobs, which will increase Accrol’s workforce to about 150, will be manufacturing and warehousing roles.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration director Peter Hunt said: “We are currently in discussions with Accrol and hopeful of finding a solution that will support the firm's expansion plans whilst maintaining our transport facility and providing best value for taxpayers.”