A BOOMING New Forest firm is set to take on another 340 staff in a move that will more than triple its existing workforce.
Managers at Totton-based APW New Forest Ltd say the number of employees will soar from 160 to 500 over the next few years.
The good news comes just days after it was revealed that another Forest factory is to close with the loss of nearly 500 jobs.
Lymington is still reeling from the news that the town's biggest employee, Webbs Country Foods, is shutting its chicken processing plant on April 27.
But other employment opportunities are opening up in the north of the district.
APW New Forest Ltd, which makes electronic equipment, is moving from the Calmore Industrial Estate at Totton to larger premises at Testwood House in neighbouring Netley Marsh.
News of its intention to take on a large number of extra staff was announced at a meeting of the district council's planning committee.
Members approved its application to redevelop part of the Testwood House site.
An APW New Forest Ltd spokesman was unavailable to comment in detail on the company's expansion plans.
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