A LIGHTING firm has created 20 new jobs after investing in machinery, with support from a Government grant.

Barrowford-based ACDC recognised an opportunity to grow by investing in manufacturing equipment to create new products to complete their lighting range.

To achieve this growth, the firm also needed to increase its office space, due to the current facility being full.

The firm, which has worked on projects including London’s Olympic Bridges, the world’s tallest tower in Dubai and a new airport in Oman, has received a £150,000 grant from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, which is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

ACDC finance director Ian Clark said: “It is clear that an LED boom is happening, so by increasing our production rate and product range we can grow and create new jobs quickly. We predict that around 75 to 100 jobs could be created by 2018 as a result of our investment.

“Regenerate’s financial contribution was a big help as without it, new product development would have been staggered over a much longer period. This would have delayed recruitment or even prevented it from happening.”

Hugh Roberts, deputy director at Regenerate, said: “This support from the Regional Growth Fund will help ACDC with their growth plans and capitalise on the rising demand of LED lighting, creating new jobs and opportunities for people in Lancashire.”