WINCHESTER building contractor Lakesmere has pledged significant investment in a new state-of-the-art production facility in Winnall.

The new £1.5m centre is expected to bring an extra 20 jobs to the area as the company expands into manufacturing a range of roofing and cladding sheets, fabrications, gutters and panels.

It is now recruiting for a number of roles, including production operatives, semi-skilled sheet metal workers and apprentices.

Mark Davey, chief executive officer of Lakesmere Group Limited, said: “Our move into manufacturing is just the start of what promises to be a very exciting period of growth for Lakesmere and we are delighted to have been able to open our first dedicated production facility here in Winchester.

“Lakesmere’s successful heritage of over the last 25 years has seen us grow from the relatively humble beginnings of our first office in Fair Oak before relocating to Winchester, where to this day our head office is still based.

“Lakesmere is proud to keep its local roots as we have expanded and to be in a position to contribute to the Hampshire region both in terms of the county’s economy and community.”