New jobs hope as East Lancashire plastics firm set to expand (From Lancashire Telegraph)

New jobs hope as East Lancashire plastics firm set to expand

9:50am Wednesday 17th August 2011 in Altham Exclusive By Chris Gee, Reporter

AN EXPANDING plastics firm plans to double its capacity and create dozens of jobs by building new factory and warehouse units.

Plans have been submitted by What More UK Ltd to extend its premises at Altham Business Park, on the Hyndburn and Burnley border, by creating two new 9,500 square metre units.

In a statement to planners, What More company solicitor Tom O’Neill said that if successful, the planning application could transform the business.

He said: “The building would provide potential for expansion, possibly to eventually double our existing capacity.

“Obviously this will not happen on day one, so any increase in staff would be gradual and spread across all areas of the business, including sales and administration at our headquarters.”

What More was established in 1999 and has grown to become the UK’s largest manufacturer of plastic household and storage products, with a growing export market.

The firm currently employs around 170 people at its sites in Altham and Shuttleworth Mead Business Park.

If the plans are approved Mr O’Neill also believes it would cut the amount of traffic for the business.

He said: “The new building will undoubtedly reduce the overall volume of vehicle movements.

“At the moment due to space constraints around our machines we have staff and vehicles dedicated to moving finished goods to our various storage sites outside Altham.”

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