SPORTSWEAR firm Parker Hirst is to double the workforce at its Congleton factory to cope with increasing demand.

Dozens of new jobs will be created in the next six months as the top firm's Congleton base taps into the huge demand for soccer wear.

As part of the expansion work is due to start in the next six weeks on creating a major extension to the company's Spindle Street factory.

The new building will be two-thirds the size of the present factory.

It should be ready by March 1997, allowing the firm to realise its plans to increase the workforce from 65 to 120 by the end of April next year.

Congleton general manager Paul Bennett said the company was looking to take on an extra 20 sewing machinists at Congleton immediately.

"We are looking to recruit 18 to 20 new people initially, and a further 30 or so after that to enable us to go forward with our next phase and into the next millennium,'' said Mr Bennett.

The company boasts a total workforce of 380 at Congleton, Sandyford and Longton, and was the subject of a management buy out in mid September.

It produces between 40,000 and 50,000 garments a week, mainly football shirts and leisurewear, for a range of top names including Nike and Adidas.

"Our success is down to our high quality standards, delivery times and prices, and we expect large orders for national soccerwear for the next World Cup,'' added Mr Bennett.

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