A specialist textile company is making a £1.1 million investment in Bolton.

Web Dynamics, which produces hi-tech fabrics used in the building, medical and automotive industries, is moving into the former Horwich Sewing building in Crown Lane from an existing 12,000 sq ft factory on the Three Sisters Enterprise Park in Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan.

More than 200 jobs were lost when Horwich Sewing shut the plant and relocated to Eastern Europe.

The "sunrise" firm which replaces it will transfer 23 workers from Wigan and create 12 new jobs when operations are in full production by the end of May.

But hopes are high that many more will be on the way in the medium/longer term.

Web Dynamics, which has its sales and marketing headquarters in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, was formed in 1995 and already has a turnover of £10 million.

It is a producer of hi tech nonwovens for roofing, allergy bedding and disposable clothing applications.

The company already sells extensively in Europe and aims to become a significant player in overseas and home markets.

Managing Director Tim Woodbridge said: "We are looking forward to the potential for long-term growth in Horwich and providing increasing employment opportunities locally."

The move to Horwich has been supported enthusiastically by Bolton Council, Bolton and Bury Chamber and Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly.

Cllr Bob Howarth, Leader of Bolton Council, said textiles had played an enormous part in Bolton's history going back to the arrival of Flemish weavers in the 13th century and later innovations during the Industrial Revolution.

"In recent years the local economy has expanded into the high-tech sector and we are very pleased that our strategy of attracting 'sunrise' firms is succeeding," he said.

"Bolton's image of an old industrial town is simply not the case any more and Web Dynamics are a prime example."

Ruth Kelly said she was delighted that the company had chosen to relocate to Horwich.

"I visited their factory before Christmas along with representatives from Bolton Council and Bolton Bury Chamber and was extremely impressed by what I saw.

"This is just the kind of high skill, high tech company that we want in Bolton."

Mr Richard Bindless, Chief Executive of Bolton and Bury Chamber, said: "We are delighted to welcome Web Dynamics to Bolton and as new members of the Chamber."

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