T&D Packaging has invested £1 million in new technology and staff.

The independent steel drum manufacturer, based in Bowling, has already increased its workforce by 20 per cent to 120 people.

T&D Packaging, which produces more than 1.2 million products annually, is also celebrating its best year since managing director Mike Lynch led a management buy-out from parent group T&D Industries in February 2000.

T&D is using the investment as "an aggressive approach to reduce costs and improve efficiencies".

The company is using the cash boost to install cutting-edge equipment and technology to improve component manufacturing, coating processes, curing systems, out-loading and transport for 210 litre drums.

The first and biggest phase of the investment programme is already complete, with new equipment already delivering the planned improvements.

The second phase of investment, due to be completed before the end of 2003, will focus on boosting the transport system with new trailers and units.

The third area of the investment has seen technology, which was pioneered in the automotive industry, introduced into the coating processes to enhance durability.