NEW jobs have been created with the relocation of Cross Hills-based Multiform Limited.

The specialist steel fabricator has moved from a 2,500 sq feet workshop to a new purpose built 8,000 square feet factory at the village's Airedale Trading Park.

The firm already employs 15 people, and the move means two extra jobs immediately, and three more to follow as the order books fill up.

Its customers include major construction firms, housebuilders, civil engineers, utility companies and retailers.

Central to the move was the purchase of a five tonnes capacity overhead crane, which improves handling of the steel and enhances workflow.

The cost of purchasing this essential piece of equipment was offset by a £16,000 Objective 5b grant, secured with assistance from Business Link North Yorkshire adviser Stuart Fuller.

Multiform managing director Tony Eccleshall said: "The move to the new factory enables us to handle larger contracts for our customers. Before, because of size restrictions in our old premises, we were having to turn business away.

"The help that we have received from Stuart Fuller over the past three years on the detailed business planning and application for the grant has been absolutely crucial and gave us the confidence to know that we were making the right decisions."

Mr Fuller said: "Multiform is an excellent company with good customers and has earned a reputation for reliability and high quality work.

"Size restrictions at the old premises were holding the business back, but the days of Tony having to turn down orders are well and truly over and I anticipate solid growth from now on."

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