A JOBS rush has been sparked at an East Lancashire building products manufacturer looking to beat supply challenges post-Brexit.

Wykamol in Hapton has invested in a state-of-the art cavity drain membrane extrusion plant at its Network 65 base.

The first of its kind in the UK, according to the firm, it is capable of producing 4.8million square metres of various kinds of meshing.

The board at Wykamol was concerned Britain's exit from the European Union may trigger difficulties, as most cavity drain membranes currently are sourced from the Continent.

Tony Street, managing director, said: "We identified Brexit as an opportunity for investment in, and support of, our industry. It is an important step forward for us and our customers, who are now assured of supply continuity once we depart the EU."

Extra equipment to recycle manufacturing waste back into the extrusion process, has also been bought. The firm invited along representatives from the British Board of Agreement to officially open the plant.