POLYTHENE bag manufacturer Flexipol has won a major deal from Marks & Spencer after less than two years in business.

The Rossendale based firm, which manufactures bags and sheets for the food and pharmaceutical industry has been approved by M&S to supply materials to all its food suppliers.

The deal is expected to lead to further jobs at the firm based on the Carrs Industrial Estate in Haslingden.

Flexipol was set up in November 1994 by four businessmen, Patrick Connelly, Ian Smith, Paul Brassington and Dermot Griffiths with backing from the Co-operative Bank and venture capitalists 3i. "This has been a remarkable 20 months for the business - one which has seen us create 28 jobs, secure a broad customer base including many of the UK's major blue chip food manufacturers.

"We have also invested in some of the most sophisticated machinery available," said Patrick Connelly, sales and marketing director.

This year the firm has acquired three additional bag conversion machines and a six colour stack printing press to widen its product range.

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