AN Accrington firm hit by the collapse of MG Rover is expanding after buying a business in Birmingham.

Automotive Applied Technologies (AAT), which makes interior and exterior trims for cars, had to make 60 staff redundant at its base in Exchange Street after work for the Birmingham-based car manufacturer dried up.

At one time 50 per cent of AAT's turnover had been dependent on MG Rover, but the company had foreseen the problems at the troubled car firm and managed to limit the impact by bringing in new contracts and reducing that figure to 20 per cent.

It had also managed to keep tight credit terms with the firm and did not have to write off any debt following its collapse.

This week AAT, which still empoys 130 people in Accrington, announced it strengthened its position further by acquiring Lander Carlisle Limited, which will become AAT Midlands Limited.

The new company and AAT will have a combined turnover of £15million.

The expansion will mean the group has a total of almost 100 moulding machines and will be able to broaden its range.

Managing director Tony Cox said: "This is a major acquisition for us. It is unlikely to have a major impact on our Accrington base, but it strengthens our position and makes us a bigger operation."