A FARNWORTH firm has invested £400,000 in a traditional Asian food manufacturing enterprise.

Deluxe Foods, which was founded last summer, operates in part of the former Vantona curtain factory in Cawdor Mill, Cawdor Street.

It started with four workers, but now has to 17 full-time and five part-time employees.

The company is grateful for the business planning advice it received from Bolton Council's award-winning Ethnic Minority Business Service.

A Bolton Council grant helped Deluxe Foods get started.

A council spokesman said grants are available -- subject to criteria -- for local industrial and manufacturing companies which are proposing to expand and create new jobs in the borough.

Deluxe Foods was given an official launch at a ceremony which involved Farnworth councillors and Cllr John Byrne, Bolton's executive member for economic development. The company produces authentic Asian food for local authorities, health authorities, weddings and other social functions.

General manager Yousuf Pandor said that the company had a few big contracts and expected within 12 months to be producing 10,000 meals and 20,000 savoury snacks a week.

"If things go according to plan, we could need a second shift after 18 months," Mr Pandor said. "We don't want to compromise on quality."