A WIDNES laundry and hygiene manufacturer has secured £1.5 million funding to secure an ambitious expansion.

Prime Industries hope to double turnover at their Halebank factory, recruit 10 more staff and invest in new machinery and infrastructure.

The company was founded 11 years ago by Roy Longshaw, 49, and his former wife Lynda, 59.

The pair started with just two soap powders bought in bulk and packed by hand with a scoop and set of scales.

The firm now produces their own range of laundry and cleaning powers and liquids and employs 15 staff.

Managing director Roy Longshaw, who now plans to buy the 19,000 sq ft factory, said: “To develop and diversify our products, secure the future of our business, provide new and existing customers with a quality and ever developing product it was clear we needed to invest in our machinery, our workforce, our research and development and ultimately our premises.

“Finding the right finance package to fund this project was key and we couldn’t do it alone.

“Our aims were and are ambitious and we wanted to work with someone who could achieve our capital requirements both swiftly and efficiently.”

Business advisors Central Finance helped to turn the company’s vision into reality.

Mr Longshaw added: “They took away the form filling, the red table, the late nights and most of all the headaches and have provided a sustainable, positive outlook for our future and our employees.”

Chris Brown, corporate finance director of Central Finance, said: “Having worked with thousands of businesses like Prime over the years, my colleagues and I have built up key relationships with lenders and investors and understand the complexities of attaining finance to fund projects, especially at this level.

“Accessing grants and other business finance products especially commercial mortgages can be complex and time consuming for many businesses but our experienced team understand the market very well.”