NEW jobs are in the pipeline following an engineering firm's expansion.

C Caswell Engineering of Haslingden has taken over a unit next to its factory on the Knowsley Road Industrial Unit to cope with growing demand for its ventilation ductwork services.

The expansion programme, which is part of a £900,000 investment at the firm, will see around 16 new vacancies for draughtsman, engineers and sheet metal workers.

Eventually the firm believes up to 40 new jobs could be created to add to its existing 60-strong workforce.

The expansion into adjacent premises, which has been helped by a £50,000 grant from Action for Haslingden, is expected to be completed by April.

"We have had a very busy 12 months and this expansion will help us cope with increased demand," said chairman Richard Coxon.

In 1997 the firm carried out contracts for McDonald's, Marks & Spencer and Cheshire Oaks Shopping Centre in Runcorn.

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