ONE of the largest employers in Lancashire is looking forward to another bright New Year after seeing its pre-tax profits jump by 20 per cent.

The Scapa Group, a multi-national company with its headquarters in Preston New Road, Blackburn, announced pre-tax profits of £27.7 million.

Scapa - Lancashire's largest plc - employs hundreds across East Lancashire and is a vital part of the lifeblood of the local economy.

Started in Blackburn in 1927 by Thomas Hindle, its main local operations now include making fabrics and felts for the paper industry at plants in Blackburn and Ramsbottom and industrial filters at P and S Filtration in Haslingden.

Chairman Harry Tuley said: "The paper industry remains strong and demand for our products is running at a high level with our major manufacturing units fully loaded.

"The market is competitive but we are in an excellent position to take advantage of current and future demand, particularly in South East Asia."

Mr Tuley described Scapa's order book as "good" with the prospects for further expansion in North America with the impending take-over of the National Filtration Corporation.

The company spent nearly £37 million on acquisitions in the half year up to the end of September.

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