NEW jobs are in the offing at a booming Congleton business which is celebrating record sales figures.

Sales at Berisfords for the first half of 1999 are a quarter up on the same period last year, itself a record for the company.

News of the record business comes as the firm completed the purchase of its existing factory and a further 55,000 square feet previously home to Airbags International.

The purchase of the former Airbags factory is due to see Berisfords expand into parts of a factory complex in Thomas Street it left in 1992 following reorganisation.

Berisfords managing director Maurice Beaumont said the firm aimed to expand its production capacity in line with its sales growth, which should mean new jobs in weaving, dyeing and bias binding.

Berisfords makes ribbons, bows and bindings, and was bought in 1992 by Swiss based ribbon manufacturer Kuny.

"Our sales levels for January to June are 24 per cent up on the same period in 1998," said Mr Beaumont.

"We have a lot more orders, and have developed the ranges, which along with our delivery performance are the keys to our continuing success.

"The purchase of our factory and former Airbags premises confirms the confidence that Kuny has in us and the Congleton site."

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