REMPLOY'S Bolton factory has completed its conversion from textiles to electronics assembly.

The plant in Manchester Road has had investment worth nearly £500,000 and now employs 56 disabled people.

They work on the assembly of components for fire alarm systems, audio separates, currency validation equipment and petrol station control panels.

The completion of an order for 2,000 flags signalled the end of a 52-year history which has seen Manchester Road produce a wide range of textile goods including mattress covers, uniform trousers, jackets for the police force, outdoor jackets and casualty bags for the Ministry of Defence.

Manager Peter Butterworth said: "A year ago we produced high quality garments and the shop floor was a mass of sewing machines humming away constantly.

"My colleagues have undertaken intensive retraining and now we are producing electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards for some of the industry's most demanding manufacturers.

"Without exception, everyone here has readily embraced the change and we have all learned new skills which will take Remploy Bolton forward."

Remploy, which was founded in 1945, is the UK's largest employer of disabled people with more than 80 factories throughout the UK.

RETRAINED: Remploy Bolton is now a sophisticated electronics assembly plant.