A MANUFACTURER is to create around 20 jobs after investing £3million in machinery to boost capacity.

Superior, which makes O-rings and seals at Ferndown, is increasing its headcount by more than 10 per cent.

It has invested in seal manufacturing and inspection technology to increase output. New jobs will include roles as machine operators and production operatives, as well as jobs as manufacturing trainees.

Superior managing director Tim Brown said: “In line with our growth strategy and to meet an increasing demand for our products, we are making a substantial investment in our machinery and personnel to allow for increased output and shorter lead times.

“Our continued investment in technology, people and material science will help us achieve the growth in capacity and capability we need to support increasing customer orders, future-proof our business and ensure we can continue to offer our customers a high-quality service.”

Superior says the new machinery aligns with its goals of running the business in a responsible and sustainable way, creating less waste and conserving water and CO2.

The company says its latest technology, along with increased recycling and waste reduction, has helped it reduce its CO2 by 113.5 tonnes, or 29.2 per cent, this year.

Superior's trainees will join the company’s award-winning academy and be trained for a level two NVQ in performing manufacturing operations.

Mr Brown said: “We are pleased to have an opportunity to expand our workforce even further, with not only full-time recruits but also manufacturing trainees, to bolster our current 192-strong team.

“We pride ourselves on being a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable place to work, and this latest investment in machinery will not only increase our production rates but will help us achieve an even more stimulating working environment. We rely on machinery in every aspect of our work, but they will never replace the people that we recruit for the job.

“It’s so important to us that a career at Superior is highly motivating, and the best people need the best environment in which to thrive. We want every employee to be fully engaged in the work that they do and learn new skills at every stage of their career progression.”