A STEEL company is investing £500,000 in its Darwen works - a move which could mean more jobs in the future.

Ritherdon & Co has placed an order for a high-tech machine to boost its factory.

The Lorne Street company, which employs 32 people, is the largest supplier of steel electricity meter boxes to utility companies in the UK.

It also supplies customers including local councils with metal enclosures for electrical supplies.

The purchasing of the £m machine is the company's biggest ever investment in its 109-year history.

Brian Derbyshire, commercial director, said: "The whole point of buying this machine is to increase capacity to increase sales and put more work through the place.

"We will hopefully be looking to be recruiting as a result."

It has been a difficult few years for employment and industry in Darwen. The closure of Crown Wallcoverings factory, in Belgrave Mills, with the loss of 177 jobs last June, came as a huge loss to the town. But Mr Richardson said there is room for optimism.

He said: "Crown closing was a major blow for Darwen, but having said that there is a lot happening in the area with new developments. Generally I think East Lancashire is doing quite well."

Ritherdon & Co, which has been in Darwen 60 years, was founded in 1895 in Bolton by the current managing director Howard Ritherdon's grandfather.

Howard said: "The new machinery represents a major investment for a small firm like ours, but are we confident it will make us more flexible, improve our capabilities and help us win new business."

The firm has been working with Business Link for East Lancashire adviser Peter Dickinson on its strategy for the past two years.

"It was an area we needed help with and Peter has been looking at the whole sales and marketing area and how we can improve it," said Howard.

It is hoped the machine will be installed over the next couple of months.