HOPES are high that more than 40 new jobs could be created at a Hyndburn factory, thanks to a revolutionary new roof system.

Bosses at Ultraframe UK have launched a massive new production facility at their base on the Junction 7 business park in Clayton-le-Moors.

Forty-three staff are currently employed at the facility and it is hoped this could eventually double.

More than 66,000 sq ft of factory space have been dedicated to manufacturing the new Uzone Elevation roof system, which the firm claims is "the most innovative lean-to roof ever".

Ian Ridgeley, operations director, said he was confident demand for the new product would quickly take off and the creation of new jobs could follow within months.

He said: "We currently employ a core team of specialised and experienced production staff who have a real can-do attitude.

"We plan to rapidly increase the team as the orders start to roll in. At full capacity we can produce over 140 roofs a day."

Explaining the manufacturing process at Clayton had been finely tuned, he went on: "The factory is extremely efficient and is geared to delivering the highest service."

A firm spokesperson added: "We are very optimistic about this new product and we expect production will increase as time goes on. This is definitely good news for the area and, if all goes to plan, we hope the number of people employed at the site could double in the near future."