A MAJOR expansion programme is leading to more than 30 new jobs at an engineering firm.

Chadfort Engineering of Blackburn is involved in a major investment in new equipment following a £600,000 spend last year.

Around £550,000 is being invested over the next two years in robotic welding equipment and a powder coating plant.

The latest investment programme has been backed by a regional selective assistance grant secured by the firm which manufactures industrial oven and driers.

The firm is also taking on 35 new employees to bring the workforce at the Glenfield Park site up to almost 100.

The firm was assisted in applying for the grant through Pierce Chartered Accountants which have forged a partnership with grants specialist Harrison Partnership.

"Chadfort is already a world class manufacturer with an excellent customer base," said Neil Harrison, senior manager at the Harrison Partnership.

"The ability to expand the range of processes inhouse will enable the company to compete for new contracts resulting in further expansion and export opportunities."

A recent survey of small business in the North West suggested that only one in five had looked into grant funding when financing new investment and as a result could be missing out on millions.

"With businesses rarely having the time or resources to devote to addressing grant issues, the partnership with THP gives clients the opportunity to source specially tailored grant packages," said Graham Boyes, senior partner at Blackburn-based Pierce.

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