BUILDING work has started on a new £3 million factory for Allerton Engineering Ltd which will help to create dozens of new skilled engineering jobs in Northallerton.

Allerton Engineering, Hambleton District Council and the developer, integrated design-build company, Severfield-Reeve Projects, got together to mark the start of work at Darlington Road Industrial Estate.

Structural engineering, bridge building and structural steel company, Allerton Engineering, which was founded in Northallerton 50 years ago, says the new factory will enable it to almost double its 65-strong workforce over the next three years.

Lawrence Ellis, Allerton Engineering chairman, said: "This is the start of a new era for the Allerton Companies, which holds many benefits for us, our expanding workforce and the local community. Our order book is healthy and the new facility will enable us to treble our capacity and meet the quality needs of our customers worldwide whether it is for bridges, cranes, plate girders or offshore structures."

The company commissioned the new factory from Thirsk-based Severfield-Reeve Projects after Hambleton District Council gave the go ahead last year for the residential development of its existing site on Romanby Road, enabling it to finance the new factory.

Mick Jewitt, Hambleton District Council's head of planning policy and economic development, said: "We realise that Allerton Engineering could have moved out of Hambleton and are delighted to have helped to secure its future in the district where its continuing success can benefit the local people and economy."

Updated: 09:33 Tuesday, March 23, 2004