AN AEROSPACE firm has created almost 60 new jobs after a boom in business.

Bosses at Weston EU have begun filling the positions on the back of an increase in workload in the civil aerospace sector and extended deals with giants Rolls-Royce and Airbus.

Weston, which employs 310 people at sites in Earby’s West Craven business park and Station Road, Foulridge, is taking on machinists and other skilled engineers.

Managing director Bob Brownridge said: “The civil aerospace sector is growing and we are benefitting from that.

“We have been successful in securing long-term contracts and that is the key to this. It has not happened overnight.

“It has been a gradual switch from defence to civil aerospace.”

Weston EU makes components for Rolls-Royce and Airbus, which are used in popular single-aisle aircraft.

Most of the deals signed with the two aerospace giants are long-term, allowing Weston bosses to plan for future employment.

About half of the 57 roles have been filled but another 25 to 30 are still up for grabs.

Weston’s jobs boost contrasts markedly with defence manufacturer BAE Systems, with plants to cut almost 1,000 Lancashire roles after the government axed the Harrier and Nimrod aircraft.

The move by the Pendle firm was welcomed by MP Andrew Stephenson, who showed chancellor George Osborne around a Weston plant last year.

He said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted to see a good local company expanding.

“With Rolls-Royce in Barnoldswick and ACDC Lighting Systems in Barrowford, there is a lot of good news coming from East Lancashire manufacturing.”

Weston, which has a turnover of about £45million, also employs 160 at a site in Thailand.