WINDOW blinds specialist Hillarys Group plans to create 200 new jobs in a move to new premises in Washington, Tyne and Wear.

Due to its rapid growth, and to aid future expansion, the Nottingham-based company has taken over a 70,000sq ft site on the Glover Industrial Estate, double the size of its existing premises on the Armstrong Industrial Estate.

Hillarys has been on its existing site for 20 years and currently employs 300 staff at the operation. The group employs more than 1,000 staff nationally.

The final quarter of 2001 saw sales grow by 19.1 per cent, compared to the same quarter of 2000. The group now sells and manufactures 20,000 blinds per week, which are sold through its network of 840 self-employed agents and 18 retail outlets.

Mike Snapes, executive chairman of Hillarys Group, said: "The new factory is absolutely vital for the continuing success of Hillarys.

"It is twice the size of our current site in Washington and as it is purpose-built, will result in greater efficiency and better working practices."

David Burke, Hillarys manufacturing director, added: "There has been a consultation process going on for over four months now concerning our new factory.

"This process has involved discussions with the Works Council, which is elected by all of Hillarys' employees.

"There has been discussion over issues such as the location of the factory, its layout and facilities and I am sure that the move to the new factory will be both popular and successful."