A MASSIVE job boost has been announced with the creation of 150 new Aerospace and 100 call centre jobs across Burnley and Pendle.

Expansion plans by Aircelle, one of Burnley’s biggest employers, will create around 150 new jobs as the aerospace systems manufacturer expands its operation by moving to the former Michelin factory.

The football-pitch sized warehouse, bought by the North West Development Agency after it closed as a tyre factory four years ago, will be turned into a manufacturing and office complex.

The new site will allow for increased production aeroplane parts it manufactures.

The firm already employes more than 600 people at its base in Bancroft Street, next to the Michelin site.

A further 100 jobs will be created at Number One Market Street in Nelson as a new call centre opens.

The posts will be administering Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) grant applications across the UK and will start over the next few weeks.

The jobs are part of the regeneration plans for Pendle which include the creation of the adjacent entertainment complex, the Ace Centre, and will see the creation of 300 jobs over the next five years.

Burnley Council leader Gordon Birtwistle welcomed the jobs a few days after news the rising price of petrol and diesel could see the loss of up to 80 jobs at Burnley based Futaba-Tenneco UK Ltd.

The agreement between Aircelle and factory owners North West Development Agency, who are funding the £3 million refurbishment of the building, will allow Aircelle to begin full scale manufacturing in the premises by late this year.

The company has signed a 25-year lease on a building at the former tyre warehouse in order to expand their manufacturing facility.

Coun Birtwistle, said: "This really is great news.

“Aircelle is a high class high quality company that are a real source of pride to the borough - not just for the hundreds who work there but for the thousands of Burnley youngsters for whom working for a world class company is a possibility.

"They are an example of what is possible in Burnley particularly for other hi-tech companies across the country who may be looking to relocate."

Andrew White, Managing Director of Aircelle Limited, said: “We are delighted that this will allow us to provide development opportunities for our existing employees and offer new employment opportunities for the Burnley community.”

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said the factory had been bought to encourage regeneration in Burnley and is part of the NWDA’s ongoing regeneration plan for the area.

He said: “I am delighted Aircelle has made this commitment to the town.

“We are keen to establish and grow the aerospace sector, which is vital in Lancashire, offering huge opportunities for local people and making a valuable contribution to the local and regional economy.

Welcoming the news of the jobs in Nelson Stephen Barnes, chief executive of Pendle Council said: "This is a fantastic example of Pendle Council working to bring more jobs to Pendle.”