AN American company has put out the welcome mat for Collie Carpets in Farnworth. Kleen-Tex Industries Inc of Georgia USA -- the world's largest manufacturer of washable entrance mats -- has acquired Collie's assets from the OCS Group. The Farnworth company, which has 50 employees, produces dust control mats, entrance systems, carpets and hardware for the janitorial trade. It is now operating as Guardian Mats Ltd -- a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American giant.

The Managing Director of Kleen-Tex Ltd in the UK, Peter Ostenfeld, said the intention was to make Farnworth an effective and efficient plant able to compete in a highly-competitive world market.

"Long-term, it is hoped the Farnworth operation will eventually be larger with more employees," he said.

"But it is too early to be specific on when and how many additional staff will be required."

He added: "Those of us from Kleen-Tex look forward with excitement and anticipation to working with the current workforce towards making Guardian Mats a success." Kleen-Tex Industries Inc has five manufacturing plants in the USA and others in Japan, Canada, South Africa and Austria.

Earlier this year a distribution centre was opened in Haydock, Merseyside for products imported from company plants in the USA and Austria.

"The long-term plans will see both the operations working together to supply the British and European markets," Mr Ostenfeld said. Collie Carpets has been part of Office Cleaning Services (OCS) Group since 1980.

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