A FIRM is planning a multi-million move to a new factory which could lead to the creation of around 100 jobs.

Manufactures GGI Office Furniture is hoping to start work on the purpose built factory by the end of the month.

The move out off GGI's Victorian mill in Cranberry Lane near Spring Vale Garden Village, Darwen, is likely to cost £6.5 million over the next five years.

The company, which currently employs just over 120, is hoping to expand its workforce to around 230 depending on the success of the move.

The company already owns the land it plans to build the factory on in Lower Eccleshill Road, Darwen.

GGI has also applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for full planning permission for the factory and the aim is to start work as soon as the application is approved.

GGI was formed three years ago after Canadian company Global Group took over seating specialists Prince Moran.

The firm chose East Lancashire because of its links with the furniture trade and has been encouraged by the imminent opening of the M65 extension.

Chief executive Carlos Viveiros said: "We operate in France, Canada and England and had to make a coice where to expand.

"We knew when we first came here we would have to move out of our current premises because they are too small." The firm makes top of the range office chairs and deals direct with suppliers. The aim is to expand into new areas including office furniture once the move has been completed.

The new factory will be built in two stages over a five-year period depending on how well the company is performing.

Mr Viveiros added: "A lot depends on the success of the company but we have been experiencing 13 to 14 per cent growth in recent months.

"We are well ahead of budget at the moment and we have the support of a very progressive parent company.

"We will have a superb new showroom and a new factory at the site. Considering all the economic problems of East Lancashire we have been doing extremely well.

"It is nice to be able to announce some good news for a change following all the reports of job losses and economic gloom in East Lancashire."

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