A MANUFACTURER plans to invest in new machinery and create more jobs, after receiving financial support from a Government scheme that seeks to help companies to grow.

Rainford-based NW Metal Sections Ltd has been awarded £30,000 backing from the Regional Growth Fund, which aims to stimulate investment in the borough and help businesses to unlock their potential.

St Helens Chamber manages the £2m fund, launched last November. As the Star reported last week, Safeshred, Neticonic and Qualplas are the other businesses to have secured funding.

They will either expand to new premises, invest in new plant equipment or acquire larger office space to enable their growth plans in 2014.

NW Metal Sections manufactures reinforced steel sections for the UPVC industry, with customers across the UK, including several window manufacturers in St Helens.

The business, established in 2005 by co-owners Stuart Middlehurst and John Kilgannon, manufactures metal sections that are tailor-made for customers’ requirements.

Mr Middlehurst said: “The funding is a real shot in the arm for us. Alongside the investment we were already putting in place, it will allow us to invest in new machinery, which is going to broaden the service that we can offer to our existing clients and bring in new clients as well.”

The business employs 20 people, but aims to create six more jobs.

After surviving the downturn in the housing market, the business is now thriving, with 24-hour manufacturing at busy times. The additional funding will also enable NW Metal sections to expand and refurbish their premises.

Geoff Bates, Regional Growth Fund programme manager at the chamber, said: “All grants must be awarded by March 2015, so we would call on businesses who think they may be eligible for support to contact us as soon as possible.”

Businesses can apply for up to 20 per cent of the total project value, up to a maximum of £70,000.

Eligible projects should have a minimum total value of £20,000 and applications for funding are assessed by an investment panel.

For further information and to download an expression of interest form, visit sthelenschamber.

com/rgf, or call Geoff Bates on 01744 742087.