A Co Down company is investing £330,000 to expand production of carpet underlay in a project which has created 12 new jobs at its factory in Comber. The business, which has a staff of 36, was acquired by the Lancashire-based company Duralay 12 months ago from Northern Ireland Carpets, a subsidiary of Lamont Holdings. Duralay's managing director, Mr Geoff Harrison, said the investment was aimed at making greater use of the capacity and capabilities of the plant.

"It is an important asset," Mr Harrison said, "which we are developing by investing in equipment, facilities, and people, to improve efficiency and overall productivity. "The plant is already making an important contribution to our overall performance in our target markets. Our intention is to expand its role, developing it to supply products to customers throughout the United Kingdom, and as a primary source of carpet underlay for the Republic of Ireland."

The project is being supported by a grant of more than £80,000 from the IDB. The executive director of the agency's clothing and textiles division, Mr Lawson McDonald, said the investment was in line with the company's strategy of maintaining its position as a low-cost producer in the carpet underlay business.

Duralay employs 320 people, 250 of them at its main production plant at Haslingden in Lancashire. It also makes carpet gripper and metal edging at a factory in Dumfries in Scotland. It was acquired by its existing management team in a buy-out from the BBA Group in 1996.