FURTHER jobs could now be created at the Knighton plant of Benson Heating just under a year after the company announced it was going in to administration.

The company, which specialises in warm air heating products, announced at the end of May last year that they were going into administration, with around 50 staff at the Knighton factory and 20 staff based in Hampshire all losing their jobs.

But following their takeover by the AmbiRad Group last June, over 40 jobs have been restored – with managing director of the AmbiRad group, Mike Brookes, now saying they are in a position to create further jobs.

“We're delighted to have restored jobs in Powys, helping support the local economy and community, where manufacturing employment opportunities are all too limited,” said Mr Brookes.

“Trading in the period since acquisition has exceeded expectations. With improving trading conditions forecast, together with ongoing support from the Welsh Assembly government, further job creation is expected as we improve and expand our product base.”

As well as a recruitment drive, he said the group is also investing in new plant workplace improvements, including office refurbishment and IT infrastructure investment.

The AmbiRad Group is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of heating and ventilation systems. In addition to to the Powys site, AmbiRad has headquarters in Brierley Hill, West Midlands, and its Nordair Niche brand has sites in Stockport in Cheshire and Braintree in Essex.