ROCK Oil has revealed £3m plans to build a new research and development centre at its base in Whitecross.

Founded in Warrington nearly 90 years ago, the lubricant manufacturer is undergoing a major renovation of its Priestley Street site, where around 100 people are employed.

The first phase of this redevelopment will see a 10,000sq ft building constructed in order to house a state-of-the-art laboratory, more than £1m of advanced technical equipment and new office space.

Construction Partnership UK has won the contract to construct the new centre, which will take 34 weeks to complete.

Steve Burke, managing director of CPUK, said: “We will be using all our experience and know-how in the sector to create this cutting-edge new development for Rock Oil – once completed it will help Rock Oil remain at the forefront of the lubricants industry.

“The development represents a major investment by a long-established north west business and highlights how manufacturing, which is such an important part of the economy, is continuing to move forward and invest in the region.

“We’re finding that companies and developers in all sectors are determined to push forward with their plans and that is boosting our already healthy order book.”