Weatherite Manufacturing, a company which makes roof-top packaged air-conditioning systems for supermarkets and department stores, has invested almost £5 million in its operations.

The investment has enabled the acquisition of a 112,000 sq ft factory and office complex in Credenda Road, West Bromwich, to expand and combine three of its air-conditioning manufacturing plants which were based in Cradley Heath.

The switch to a former steel stockholder's site has also enabled the company to move its shopfront and shutters business, DLT from Cradley Heath and Dudley.

The new facility, which includes manufacturing production and state-of-the-art offices for its 130-strong workforce, will improved production efficiency and the company's competitiveness in the air-conditioning market.

The group has recruited another 11 staff in the last two weeks, including eight apprentices in every sect ion of the business including production, sales and marketing, technical design, and financial administration.

The company has been looking at the move for the last two years, and carried it out in four months over the summer.

J ohn Whitehouse, Weatherite group chairman, said the company wanted to improve workplace efficiency and communication between departments.

Mr Whitehouse said: "Before the move we had three sites in Cradley Heath, and we constantly had to transport around the parts and people from one site to another.

"It was an absolute nightmare and not very efficient at all. We had to move things around on trucks which could lead to delays or they could have been damaged when they were moved.

"Now we are under one roof things are going to be much easier."

The move was funded by borrowing from Lloyds TSB and supported by a £150,000 grant from Advantage West Midlands.

Established 34 years ago, Weatherite Manufacturing is part of the Weatherite Group, whose service divisions - based in Aldridge - carry out the installation and maintenance of the air conditioning systems.

The company makes commercial air conditioning systems, air handling units, telecommunications cooling units and air cooling condensing units which range in price from £30,000 to £60,000. The family-owned firm, which employs 215 employees across its five different companies, numbers Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Debenhams, the John Lewis Partnership and BT among its customers.

Mr Whitehouse added: "The new manufacturing site is a bold move for the company, reflecting our confidence and commit-ment to future growth."