A company dealing in one of Bury’s famous delicacies is set to expand and take on 20 new staff.

Bury Black Pudding Company is undergoing a £1.4 million investment, with a view to doubling turnover to £6 million over the next two years.

The company produces 35 tonnes of black pudding a week from its Bridge Hall Lane premises, but will have capacity to double that by leasing two adjacent units, extending floorspace from 10,000 sq ft to 25,000 sq ft.

In addition to acquiring new machinery, it has also expanded its packaging and storage capacity.

Five new members of staff have been recruited over the past year, bringing the workforce to 60, with a further 20 new jobs planned over the next two to three years.

HSBC’s Manchester Commercial Centre has supported the investment project with a £460,000 funding package.

The company was founded in 2002 by Debbie Pierce and Richard Morris, who initially sold black puddings made from Richard’s father’s recipe on a Bury market stall.

After developing a branded product, they started selling online. The firm now generates 80 per cent of its £3 million turnover from major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons, The Co-operative and Iceland.

The company is now planning to launch its products into Spain, the US and Hong Kong.

Debbie, who is managing director, said: “Not only will we be able to produce more, it means we can develop new product lines such as gluten free and chilli flavour.

"We can also produce different pack sizes, as well as frozen products, which will open up more opportunities in the food service sector.

“We have received inquiries from overseas for a number of years but have been unable to produce enough to satisfy demand. This investment will change that.”