A Halton engineering company is putting a laser focus on its future after opening brand new manufacturing and office facilities.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram officially launched the new premises of Sandon Global, a Runcorn company which supplies the worldwide printing industry. The firm has 82 staff and the new facilities will help fuel further expansion.

Funded partly by a £2m grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - of which Halton is one of six member councils - the plant produces laser engraved anilox equipment and supplies 70 countries around the world.

John Millington, Sandon Global CEO, said: “Thanks to the commitment of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Strategic Investment Fund, we continue to be a leading player in the global print industry and this new state-of-the-art production and office facility enables us to expand our capacity and bring the world to Runcorn to see what true print innovation looks like today."

Set up in 2004, Sandon Global is a big player in the region's engineering industry, having knowledge partnerships with Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Manchester.

Its 14,500 sq m site on Manor Park houses world-leading coating development, laser engraving facilities and print unit.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: “Being a member of the Liverpool City Region means that local businesses in Halton can access funding and growth opportunities that previously might have seemed out of reach.

"Our area is already home to an abundance of innovative entrepreneurs and local business leaders who possess the skills and ambition to take their company to the next level - but might need a helping hand to make it a reality – and that’s where we can help.

He added: "We’re investing in the future of companies, like Sandon Global, who are leading the way in their industries and inventing new and better ways of doing things.

"Our funding is helping to transform businesses for the better, but we know the impact of our investments mean more than that. It means secure, well-paid jobs and training opportunities for local people living in a strong, prosperous economy. It was wonderful to meet some of the staff at Sandon Global who’ll benefit from this investment - I can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes them.”