WEAPONS technology adapted for peaceful purposes has brought Lucas Aerospace a £34 million, five-year contract.

The Burnley plant will produce high-pressure fuel storage cylinders for the latest gas-powered vehicles, which are designed to cut exhaust pollution levels.

The factory has been a leading supplier of missile rocket motor casings for 15 years, and since 1994 has diversified to offset falling military orders following worldwide cuts in defence spending.

The new cylinders will be used in gas versions of Ford's F-series pick-up trucks and Econoline vans, introduced to comply with new US legislation on pollution.

Ken Maciver, Lucas's managing director, said: "We are proud and delighted to have been chosen by Ford to support them on this programme. The market for natural-gas-powered vehicles has good growth potential as national and local authorities realise the economic and environmental benefits of using natural gas for road transport.

"High quality cylinders have proved a perfect product for diversification, making maximum use of existing manufacturing and processing plant and workforce skills."

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