A NEW facility at Chandler's Ford has been refurbished indicating a growth in Hampshire manufacturing.

Contact lens makers, CooperVision, completed the 31,000 square foot development in Speedwell Close, following months of extensive works.

The old warehouse, which was acquired in March 2013, has been turned into a state-of-the-art production space and included 100 tonnes of steel to upgrade the portal frame and 250 tonnes of concrete to strengthen the building's foundations.

A small opening ceremony was held, to mark the end of the works, which saw an official plaque unveiled.

Speaking at the new site, Mark Foss, central engineering and facilities director for the UK, said: “It has been a great project to be part of and the project team has been extremely committed to a very tight time line in order to have the facility ready to receive the first piece of production equipment.

“The production facility at Speedwell Close will boast some of our newest high technology equipment with advanced levels of automation and will produce our latest products. It's an exciting time for everyone and we look forward to seeing our latest products coming off the production line.”

The move shows a growing trend for manufacturing across Hampshire.

Last month building contractors Lakesmere spent £1.5 million developing a centre in Winnall, creating an extra 20 jobs for machine operatives and metal workers in the area, while PDC, The Plastics Development Consultancy, moved to bigger premises last year at the Sun Valley Business Park, also in Winnall.

At the end of last month motoring company Hendy Ford announced plans to move its sales team to new facilities at Swanwick Marina in Southampton. The company invested £250,000 into the new space which includes workshops, storage and boat lifting.