MORE jobs are set to be created as a manufacturer is set to expand its operations in Andover.

MRT Castings, based on the Walworth Business Park, has brought a acquired a 9,857 sq ft warehouse on the site in Southern Way from DHL, in a bid to expand its manufacturing operations, creating new jobs.

The family-owned business is one of the longest-established occupiers on Walworth Business Park.

The company, which manufacture and exports aluminium, zinc, gravity and high pressure die castings, has been at its present premises since 1966 and is celebrating its 70th year of operation this year.

Phil Rawnson, managing director at MRT Castings, said: “We are delighted to have completed this acquisition from DHL with the support of Lambert Smith Hampton.

“Plot 66 provides us with the opportunity to redevelop this site into a new advanced manufacturing centre for aluminium die castings and machined components.

“It provides additional capacity for future growth to run alongside our existing facilities.

“Our redevelopment plans are focused around designing a highly productive and sustainable manufacturing environment, incorporating the latest industrial automation. With 55 employees already in Andover, we are also excited at the employment opportunities this new site will create.”

The number of new jobs to be created could not be confirmed at this stage.

The purchase of the new warehouse, at a cost of £395,000, adds to MRT Castings' already significant presence on the Walworth Business Park, with around 30,000 sq ft of manufacturing facilities spread over several sites on the park.

The firm's products are largely focused on serving the medical, defence, aerospace and electronics industries around the world