A POLYSTYRENE supplier has expanded its factory in Radcliffe with the view to create jobs and increase turnover.

A new extension has been added to Molygran's Bury Road site, from where it converts and supplies expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging, design, display and merchandising products.

Bury Council leader Rishi Shori cut the ribbon to officially re-open the premises on Thursday, April 12, including a revamped shop floor and new offices.

Councillor Shori, who represents Radcliffe West, said: "We had a fantastic visit at Molygran, and what a business. It is family run which really shines through. There’s a great atmosphere as you go around.

"It’s been great to see what can be done with polystyrene, I didn’t realise how versatile it is, from insulation to all the great display products."

Owner of Molygran, Patrick Eastham, added: "It was interesting to meet with members of the local council and discuss policies regarding recycling plastic waste, and how the council might be able to improve recycling volumes and reduce the amount sent to landfill.

"Interim chief executive Pat Jones-Greenhalgh was very complimentary of our living wage commitment and can see we take our social responsibility within our local area very seriously."

Molygran expect that the company turnover will rise by 30 to 50 per cent in the next 12 months, fuelled partly by increased export demand.

The Greater Manchester Export Fund has supported this potential with a 20 per cent contribution to the company's investment in the refurbishment and extension.

Support from GC Business Growth Hub has enabled the firm, which was founded in 1979, to re-invest in the existing location which was in need of modernisation.

Tracy Eyres, growth business advisor at GC Business Growth Hub, said: "The recycling sector has tremendous growth potential.

"Molygran works with one of the most recyclable polymers there is, so the Hub was keen to support their growth, so they could continue to have an increasingly positive effect on the environment by reducing waste.

"Molygran was starting to reach capacity and space was becoming a big issue for them. This meant we needed to start thinking outside of the box about ways to fund an expansion.

"As I got to know the business more, I realised that it was viable for the company to start exporting their products, helping to open the door to new funding streams, and ultimately, the capital they needed to expand their manufacturing facility."