AN engineering company has opened a £1.5 million Technology Centre revealing its latest state-of-the-art machinery.

Emerson and Renwick, of Peel Bank, Church, welcomed guests from all over the world, including America, Europe and the Far East to showcase the new centre and to witness demonstrations of its revolutionary Genesis vacuum coating machine.

Genesis can coat on plastic film, flexible glass and metal foil down to a nano level. The equipment can be used in the production of touch sensitive displays, solar cells and even to enhance fabrics by coating the surface ahead of manufacture.

Prior to the official launch, the company had already received multiple orders for machines from customers.

The Technology Centre, which includes Genesis and demonstration automotive machines, was built with some funding support from Growth Lancashire, formerly Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, and the Textiles Growth Fund.

Commercial director David Hargreaves said: “We are a bespoke machinery manufacturer and the Technology Centre allows us to demonstrate to potential customers exactly what we are capable of.”

The Mayor of Hyndburn Coun Tim O’Kane and Mayoress Melanie Storey visited the Technology Centre along with business leaders and technology specialists.

The Mayoress said: “From the moment we came in here you could feel the passion, knowledge and commitment to making sure everything is successful.

“In today’s economic climate to take your own idea and make it happen is really invigorating. It has inspired me.”

UCLan, which attended the event, is now looking to develop degree level apprenticeships with Emerson and Renwick and is in discussion about arranging visits for students.

Claire Holt, UCLan Partnership Development Manager, said: “It is so exciting to see engineering at this level in Accrington.”

Emerson and Renwick’s head office and main design, machining and assembly facilities are located in Hyndburn, which employs more than 130 personnel.

The company also has a manufacturing facility in the USA and a service centre in China.

The business exports more than 80 per cent of its products all over the world.