A METAL fabrication company has announced plans to invest £1.3m, doubling the size of its factory and creating 24 jobs.

Pressed Steel Products confirmed its plans after being given the go-ahead by councillors to extend its plant on All Saints Industrial Estate, Shildon, County Durham.

The expansion of its workshop, which will double the size of the plant to 40,000sq ft, will be the first step in a three-year development scheme.

The move will enable the company to increase production of metal products for the construction industry and will lead to the creation of up to 24 jobs.

Managing director Heath Hindmarch said: "This will be a significant investment for the company. We are hoping it will help to increase turnover from £3.5m to £5m a year.

"It does not just include the building, but also new equipment, allowing us to introduce new lines. The additional jobs will be part of a skilled workforce and will include apprenticeship posts.

"We often hear bad news about the UK manufacturing industry and the problem is often attributed to foreign competition and lack of investment. We are investing locally and providing a good quality product and service."

The company, which was set up in 1998, specialises in the manufacture of ventilation equipment and products for the roofing and cladding industries.

Mr Hindmarch has applied for a Government grant to help with the development and thanked his banker, Jim Barton, of NatWest Commercial Banking, for his support.

Mr Barton said: "It's great to be able to support local businesses, particularly those that rely on teamwork like we do ourselves.

"Heath's success is ensured by his careful planning and monitoring, which makes sure that all of his team's hard work pays off."

Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee granted conditional planning consent.

Planning officer Andrew Farnie said: "This plan presses all of the right buttons. We are talking about additional industrial investment and the creation of new jobs in the borough."