METAL fabrication firm WEC Group has announced a second £500,000 investment in job-creating new technology in six months.

It has commissioned a new state-of-the-art dynamic waterjet machine at its WECJet’s Blackburn factory to add to its cutting capacity.

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This will create at least six new jobs at is Shadsworth Business Park complex which is being extended by 100.000 square feet.

In December its recently-established powder coating division spent £500,000 on new technology at its Junction Street, Darwen headquarters, creating 25 posts.

The new investment at Shadsworth brings the total amount invested in the waterjet division during its first 18 months of trading to just under £1 million.

Local councillor Ron O'Keeffe hailed the news as 'great news' for the borough and the area.

WEC Group, one of the UK’s largest engineering and fabrication companies employing 600, revealed that its investments in the latest waterjet technology had won several large offshore contracts benefitting other parts of the group.

It is also targeting the aerospace sector after receiving the AS/EN 9100 accreditation vital to gaining supply chain contracts.

Gareth Taylor, director of WECJet, said: “We are the first company in the UK to acquire three dynamic waterjet cutting machines after only 18 months of trading and it is an indication of how the business has taken off.

“We are seeing demand for our services in a number of sectors and we are currently looking to gain work in the aerospace sector, where we see some great opportunities.

“We’re also looking to double our staff at WECJet during 2015, operating out of modern premises on a site that has the room for further expansion.

“It’s fair to say we are delighted with WECJet’s first 18 months of trading and we are excited about the possibilities for the future.

“It’s great that we are also able to keep increasing our staff numbers as the result of our growing order book.”

Coun O'Keeffe said: "This is absolutely great news for the borough of Blackburn with Darwen and Shadsworth.

"I just hope some of the new jobs go to local people."

WECJet’s growth continues as its parent group continues its expansion as part of its ambition to become a “one-stop shop” for fabrication and engineering.

Earlier this year WEC Group, bought South Yorkshire-based metal manufacturing specialist MTL Group, saving 135 jobs.

It has also purchased a six acre site at the Walker Business Park in Blackburn for future expansion.

Its manufacturing ranges from footbridges and bus frames, to log-fired stoves and street furniture.