A JAPANESE motor company who set up home in East Lancashire just three years ago today announced plans to move to a new site and create more than 60 new jobs.

Piolax, which manufacturers car components, precision springs and industrial fasteners, will move from Burnley to a purpose-built, three-acre site in Altham Business Park, near Accrington, before the end of the year.

The move follows the company's success in winning major new contracts from Nissan in Sunderland and Honda in Swindon.

Piolax now hopes to continue it's expansion by securing further contracts across Europe and hopes to acquire an additional two acres as well an extra 42,500sq ft building at the Altham site within five years.

It is also planned to increase the workforce from 40 to 100 in that time.

Kenzaburo Suzuki, managing director of Piolax, said: "This expansion is the result of Piolax winning major new contracts to supply UK based Japanese car manufacturers.

"Our first rate workforce, with their high motivation, team spirit and enthusiastic attitude have made this facility one of the company's best performing worldwide."

The company was originally brought to the region three years ago by INWARD, now the Business Development Division of the North West development Agency. John Burrows OBE, head of the division, said: "We are delighted with the news that Piolax has decided to expand its manufacturing facility in North West England. The region has been recognised as a major player in the automotive sector and this is yet another example of an overseas company recognising the benefits of out location."

John Tilley, director of the East Lancashire Partnership, said: "We are very pleased that Piolax is expanding in East Lancashire, creating more valuable production jobs for local people and providing valuable spin-off benefits for the wider economy."

A further 20 jobs have been created at neighbouring Raven Manufacturing which is also based at Altham Business Park.

The company has won a major deal from BSkyB to produce digital satellite dishes and is now taking on new production workers ready for the contract which starts in September.

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