ANOTHER big employment boost is promised with news of 350 jobs being created in a £3m expansion programme at Hindley Green works.

Midlands-based Electrium plans to expand its Volex Accessories operation in Leigh Road, Hindley Green. Refurbishment work is underway now on adapting the adjoining factory being vacated by Volex Powercords - a separately run company.

The Powercords operation is being relocated, the Volex Group having decided to merge its two factories at Hindley Green and Butts Bridge on a new, purpose-built factory at Leigh Enterprise Park off Warrington Road.

Hindley-Green based Volex Accessories was sold by the Volex Group in 1991. The company became the subject of a management buy-out in April of this year.

Now Electrium, of Willenhall, is relocating most of its operations and pumping £3 millions into the Hindley Green wiring accessories plant which churns out millions of light switches, sockets and lamp holders.

Company spokesman Kevin Gerrard said:"The 350 vacancies will be across-the-board, mainly machine operators, but also required will be technical staff such as fitters and electricians and power press operators.

"About 20-30 per cent of production is exported, mainly to ex-colonial countries which use our power system."

The aim is to fill the 350 vacancies in the next six months.

A delighted Wigan Council Leader and Leigh Central representative Cllr Peter Smith said:"This is excellent news. It shows what can be achieved. Close work between the authority and private enterprise has enabled companies to expand and do well."

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