A NEW support centre for customers of kitchen maker Magnet has opened.

The centre, in Allington Way, Darlington, was opened yesterday by the town mayor, Councillor Isobel Hartley. The centre has cost the home fittings company more than £1m to build and is an extension to the manufacturing complex.

The extension includes offices for Magnet's customer services, marketing, design, planning, purchasing and procurement and human resources departments.

Gary Favell, managing director, said: "The completion of the support centre is a great milestone for Magnet as we now have our main business functions in one location. Darlington is a key site for us and we are very committed to working in the area as this substantial investment shows."

The Darlington site employs 430 people and is Magnet's largest factory.

Coun Hartley said: "I was very pleased to have been asked to open the new Magnet support centre. Magnet's expansion in Darlington has generated employment and is a great economic boost for the area."