A FIRM known for turning up the heat at Manchester United aims to create jobs in a £430,000 expansion.

BMM Heaters wants engineers and metal workers to continue its growth.

The plans come as the company, which designs and makes air heating systems, moves from Middlesbrough to Redcar, which bosses say will allow them to strengthen their 25-strong team.

They added the switch will also deliver extra space to house new equipment and bring powder-coating work in-house.

The company was supported in its endeavours by a £100,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise, which is Tata Steel’s business-support subsidiary.

Kevin Murray-Myers, who set up BMM with Sean Byrne more than 10 years ago, said the company was ready to enter a new growth phase.

He said: “We were just bursting at the seams and UK Steel’s contribution has been really important.

“We expect to create at least seven more jobs in the near future, and bringing powder coating in-house will save money.

“We also plan to improve testing facilities, IT and storage and are investing substantially in research and development to keep ahead of the competition.

“This is the second time UK Steel has supported us.

“We needed £50,000 about six years ago when we were developing a particular product and the banks were not very forthcoming. “It worked out extremely well and this (latest) investment has been vital.”

The business’ order book includes Manchester United Football Club, where it previously secured a contract to work on 19 heaters, as well as supermarket Waitrose, retailer Marks and Spencer and London’s Olympia exhibition centre.

However, Mr Murray-Myers said he expects such UK successes to be supported by further European demand, with BMM striving to build on work in countries such as Austria, France, Hungary and Sweden.

He added: “We are increasingly being named as specified contractors, but there is still a huge amount of potential for us.

“We saw growth of around 20 per cent last year after a relatively steady couple of years and are pursuing a carefully-planned expansion.”

UK Steel Enterprise’s support has come from its growth fund, backed by the government’s Regional Growth Fund, which can provide up to £1m for companies in steel areas looking to expand and create jobs.

Sarah Thorpe, of UK Steel Enterprise, added: “BMM is a well-established business that needed funding to expand.

“As an existing client, with an experienced management team and well-established product range, we were pleased to support the company again.”

Last month, UK Steel Enterprise revealed it had helped vehicle graphics firm, MK Designs, take on a workshop and offices at Redcar’s Kirkleatham Business Park to meet rising demand.