A LIGHTING firm has refuted factory closure claims, saying it is intent on becoming a “jewel in the crown.”

Thorn Lighting says it has no intention of leaving its base in Spennymoor, County Durham.

Rumours had suggested the site could potentially close in 18 months.

However, the business, which is part of the Zumtobel Group, told The Northern Echo it was focused on strengthening its North-East operations.

Confirming a briefing had taken place with Thorn’s workforce of about 650 people, a spokeswoman said the tone was one of progression, rather than regression.

She added the claims have no foundation, since the business is investing in new equipment and working with local suppliers to bolster its innovative work.

“We have got a lot of exciting things in the pipeline”, she said.

“We are part of the Zumtobel group and want to be the best; we want to be the jewel in the crown.

“This briefing was really a call to arms to say, ‘let’s take this factory to where it needs to be.’”

The spokeswoman added Thorn has ended a warehouse rental agreement, but said the move will have no impact on jobs or day-to-day operations.

Late last year, Thorn revealed it was creating new posts after demand for LED lights, and the closure of a Swedish factory, led to a boom at its Spennymoor base.

The firm supplies local authorities, from Scotland to the South Coast of England, and provides street lighting for cities, including Oslo and Copenhagen.

One of its most eye-catching deals was to replace lighting on the Wembley Stadium arch with an LED system designed for full colour, as well as special moving light effects.

Durham County Council also previously fitted thousands of Thorn’s LED street lights across the county.

Replacing inefficient and expensive sodium lights with high-tech examples, bosses said the switch would tackle major energy costs.