A MAJOR supplier of precision metal components for the pharmaceutical industry is proposing to build new offices.

H&T Presspart wants to add the extension to its factory in Philips Road on Blackburn’s Whitebirk Industrial Estate.

The firm is one of the world’s leading suppliers of precision components for the pharmaceutical industry, especially for the respiratory drug delivery market.

Founded in 1970, in 2002 it was taken over by the Heitkamp and Thumann Group and now has factories in Germany and Spain.

Presspart has submitted a planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council for single-storey extension to the south-east entrance into its Factory 2.

This will create a new entrance, offices and improved inclusive welfare facilities for its more than 140 staff.

An accompanying design statement says: “The new extension to Factory 2 will look to mirror the external appearance of the recently completed two-storey office and laboratory building.

“The materials used will match those used in this development of the main building.

“Presspart’s commitment to innovation delivers enhanced product performance thereby contributing to improving the quality of life of the patients that rely on these life-saving medications.

“A large part of this commitment is Presspart’s recently introduced Inhalation Product Technology Centre (IPTC) which has now been rehoused in the development to the south of the site.

“As the office and IPTC development have reached completion, attention has now turned to existing production factory buildings which need to be improved to make facilities better for both employees and customers.

“The proposed development will provide new and improved meeting rooms and offices as well as improved welfare facilities for staff operating within Factory 2.

"Within this extension there will be a new visitor entrance which forms an informal reception linking into circulation space within existing building.

“The remaining floor space within the extension will be used as office space, freeing up space to improve staff welfare facilities.”

Miranda Barker, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “This sounds a like a good plan to me. Presspart is a world leading specialist manufacturer.

“I am delighted to see a manufacturing firm putting investment back into the community at this time and creating jobs.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s regeneration boss, said: “It is good to see a successful Blackburn firm investing further in the borough. Presspart is a global leader in its product field.”