A TEXTILE manufacturer is set to take on 15 new staff.

The announcement from Darwen-based Herbert Parkinson came as it revealed its parent company, department store John Lewis, planned to sell 15 per cent more UK-made products over the next two years.

The Monton Road business is also set to launch three new online departments thanks to a £350,000 investment by John Lewis.

Stuart McDonald, Herbert Parkinson’s managing director, said: “UK manufacturing remains a key focus for John Lewis so it is apt that we are able to launch this target at a time when we are celebrating 60 years as partners of John Lewis, and our commitment to UK manufacturing.

“We should be very proud of what we do here in lovely Darwen.”

Herbert Parkinson currently has 250 partners, so- called because all members of staff share a stake in the business.

Mr McDonald said that number was set to rise over the coming months with the launch of the new facilities.

It will mean a seven-day delivery service for roller blinds, nets and voiles.

And the company will also offer an ‘any shape, any fabric’ service, allowing customers to choose from a range of 350 types of material for their furniture.

Mr McDonald said new workers, who would receive industry-recognised training, would need to be recruited from the local area to meet the demand.

He said: “John Lewis is all about development of its people.

“We have taken more responsiblity and that is what makes the difference.

“We are very keen to make sure that we have all the skills necessary for people to be able to do their job to the best of their ability.”