A BLACKBURN firm which makes pub dispensing equipment is to move its factory in a bid to expand.

Micro Matic, Stancliffe Street, is the UK arm of a Swedish firm which makes products including line cleaning equipment and beer tap handles.

Now the firm is planning to move its Blackburn base to a larger unit elsewhere in Blackburn so the facility can be under one roof instead of in different units, as it is currently.

The move is due to take place at the end of the year, and while the location is not being made public while discussions take place, it is said to be within three miles of the current facility.

Mike Boughton, who heads the dispense service business, said: "This expansion and modernisation is an investment in our future and provides the platform for continued improvements in supply chain management, innovation and customer service."

And Ian Starkey, managing director, said: "Business expansion and technological advance-ment has warranted a major relocation of premises and is an integral part of the Micro Matic total solutions global strategy."

The new facility will also provide a state of the art training facility, specialising in drinks dispensing.

Micro Matic was formerly known as Richard Millington & Co, until it was bought by the Danish firm in 1998. At the time the deal was described as a marriage made in heaven.' Millington was founded in 1972 by the late Richard Millington and at the time of its sale had a turnover of £9million and 165 staff.