THE new owners of a bed spring factory are continuing with expansion plans.

American-based Leggett & Platt bought Wellhouse Wire Products in Barnoldswick from bed giant Silentnight earlier this month. And the firm is pressing ahead with plans to expand the factory's capacity to supply additional bed manufacturers.

Within 12 months it is hoped that the site will be completely redeveloped and the factory eventually extended to 200,000 sq ft.

"This will be our major inner spring operation in the UK," said Anthony Joyce, European bedding division president.

The site employs more than 100 staff and will continue to supply Silentnight and Perfecta beds with springs for their beds.

"The days of having to do everything yourself in manufacturing are gone," said Bill Simpson, chief executive of Silentnight.

"Leggett & Platt is the world's leading specialist in inner spring technology and it makes sense to link up with the best and ensure access to all the development and new products that they can offer."

Leggett & Platt also own German spring manufacturer F&M and Danish/German firm Toledo. Wellhouse Wire Products was set up as an independent company within the Silentnight Group in 1990.

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