A PLASTICS manufacturer from Bolton is remoulding operations with a move into furniture making.

Barkston Plastics' new company, called Embark Design, will specialise in the manufacture and distribution of modern occasional furniture made from plastic.

Its products will be marketed at both the domestic and hospitality market.

The launch of the new company marks a significant departure for Westhoughton-based Barkston, which has traditionally been focused on the on the warehousing, distribution and manufacture of plastic goods.

The formation of the new company comes as a result of a successful partnership project with York St John College in 2004.

Barkston approached third year design students to come up with ideas for a piece of occasional furniture out of plastic which Barkston could manufacture and market commercially.

The company had initially planned to manufacture one of the designs, but standards were so high that six designs were selected.

The Embark furniture range will include lamps, bar stools, coffee tables, dining furniture and reclining chairs.

Tim Kiernan, Managing Director of Barkston Ltd, said: "We are extremely excited to launch this new company. We have already received interest from a diverse range of sectors and we will now be working on expanding the product range to offer customers an even wider choice."