A FORMER machine operator is taking to the road as a sales manager for the company.

Nigel Owen started work at Duralay's underlay manufacturing plant in Haslingden as a machine operator in 1986.

Now, after working as retail sales representative for the North East, he has become regional contract sales manager for Scotland, the North and North West of England.

Ian Jeffery, Duralay sales and marketing director, said: "Nigel has made a successful move from production to sales and now takes over a key role in our newly created contract sales team."