PRODUCTION line experts in East Lancs are set to expand into neighbouring premises as part of growth plans.

Bosses at MattressTek in Rossendale have agreed a deal with borough property giant BE Boys to take on an extra 6,000 square feet at their Forest Mill base in Water.

The outfit, which specialises in production line automation for the mattress, bed and components sectors, will see their footprint grow to nearly 22,000 square feet as a result.

Currently the shop floor is used to accommodate the fabrication, build and electrical departments, along with an office, meeting room and break-out area.

Now the additional space can accommodate a showroom for stand-out machines within their range, as well as others under development.

Shaun Peel, technical director, said: "Our growth and demand, to cater to our international customers, through our export pursuits, has meant we have kept our eyes out for a suitable space to physically expand.

"The fact that the unit next door at our current site has now become available is a great opportunity to further grow at our current location, following the addition of an office, canteen, stock store and mezzanine for our electrical team.

"We look forward to welcoming customers to our site from across America, Australia, Europe and here in the UK.”

The company relocated to Rossendale from Altham in 2019 and Lancashire remains important to MattressTek, as it is home to 96 per cent of their suppliers.

Just recently the firm has been on a hot streak, bagging two prizes, the Valley at Work and Made in Rossendale trophies, at the Rossendale Business Awards.

Further international trade honours were matched by a nomination in The Manufacturer MX Awards 2022. The latter has seen them invited to a House of Lords reception later this month.

They are also finalists in the Red Rose Awards, taking place in Blackpool on March9, for their export prowess. Seventy per cent of their machines are shipped overseas.