ONE of Rossendale’s biggest employers is set to expand after purchasing a new site in the Valley.

Kitchen manufacturer J&J Ormerod (JJO), which is based at Colonial House off Newchurch Road, Bacup, has signed a £1.35 million deal to take charge of new premises in Cloughfold, near Rawtenstall.

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The firm will move into the 12,000 sq ft Victoria Works, off Hill End Lane, later on in the year, taking its total number of production and warehousing facilities up to six.

JJO, which employs more than 400 people at its Bacup headquarters, said it had ‘struggled for space’ after a boom in demand over the last 12 months.

The company’s managing director, Stephen Greenhalgh, said he first had his eye on the new location more than two decades ago.

He said: “We first spotted Victoria Works in 1989 and saw its huge potential. Now, JJO produces over 600 kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms each week so space and a quick purchase process was key.

“Armed with the new premises we are in a strong position to future-proof the company’s infrastructure. Confidence in our business model is high and we are looking forward to future growth.”

JJO, founded in 1868, has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture in the UK, with a projected 2015 turnover of £40 million.

Mr Greenhalgh said the growth of JJO’s bathroom range meant that half of the new building would be used for bathroom furniture, while the rest will house bedroom furniture, enabling the company to free up some ‘much-needed’ packing areas.

The commercial property team at law firm Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall’s Bacup office in Irwell Street advised JJO on the £1.35 million agreement.

Partner Gary Jones, who led the negotiations alongside solicitor Katie Hardiman, said: “This was a complex purchase due to the numerous ownerships of the site and a great deal of inspection work was required to ensure the commercial property was just right for the client.

“It’s pleasing to see a Lancashire business expand and the new premises will allow JJO continue to develop on a national level and grow within the manufacturing sector.”

Property agents Pettys also assisted with the deal.