A HEREFORD firm is expanding and creating new jobs thanks to EU funds.

Three new jobs have been created so far at Halco Europe Ltd, based near the Enterprise Zone.

A £52,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund, via Herefordshire Council, is helping the firm reconfigure its building as it expands operations.

It has also taken on a lease on an adjacent building.

The firm, which employs 25 staff, plus directors, makes and supplies hook and loop fastening systems (similar to Velcro) in thirty countries across Europe, North and South America and Asia.

Markets include cars and medical sectors.

The company is bringing more production in-house to improve quality control and customer service. Some existing processes from Asia will be moved to the UK to secure new European contracts.

Director Glenn Haughton said: “We greatly appreciate the support we have received from Herefordshire Council in securing this necessary funding.”

Roger Allonby, Head of Economic Development at Herefordshire Council, sai: “Several local businesses have benefitted from ERDF funding, and we are bidding for more funds and are hopeful that the scheme can continue for a further three years."

If you are interested in applying for funding please contact 01432 260662. For information, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/funding