A BLACKBURN precision engineering company which makes parts for Formula One racing cars is forecast to double its turnover following more than £1million of investment.

Dobson + Beaumont, based in Appleby Street, are thread rolling specialists and are creating new jobs.

The firm manufactures everything from parts for Formula 1 cars to wind turbines, engine parts for large boats and more.

The company had been family-run for more than 100 years before a management buyout in 2021.

It’s since grown 60 per cent last year with a further 40 per cent expected for 2023.

Anew Sliding Head CNC machine has just been installed with £20,000 of grant support from Blackburn with Darwen Council bringing the total spending on new equipment to more than £500,000.

The firm has also invested another £500,000 in the building, staff and skills.

Thomas Dobson set up the metalworking business in Morton Street, Blackburn, in 1917.

After making caterpillar tracks and shell casings during the Second World War, the business developed into thread rolling specialists.

In 1965, Philip Dobson joined and led his grandfather’s business for 50 years, including its merger to become Dobson + Beaumont in 1978.

Richard Guest, managing director, said: “The history in this business meant the knowledge and the way it was run was fantastic.

“Since the buyout, we’ve been able to build on that and have literally gone through the business from top to bottom investing in everything from the building to machinery and skills.

“We’ve seen rapid growth and are on course to double our turnover while creating another seven new jobs this year.

"We work to an incredibly high spec with quality being our absolute priority.

“We’ve already invested £500,000 in new machinery over the last two years and the grant from the council has given us the confidence to add to that with the new Sliding Head CNC machine.

“It will help us be even more productive and quicker than our competitors.

“Our focus now is on our workforce, bringing in young apprentices while recruiting skilled new staff to keep up with the huge demand for our products.”

Blackburn with Darwen council’s growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood said: “We’re absolutely committed to supporting businesses here and helping them thrive.

“This is a brilliant example of how our council grants can help businesses have the confidence to invest.

“It was fantastic to visit Dobson + Beaumont and see first-hand the impressive work they are doing, including the parts for the Formula 1 cars."