a banner manufacturer flew the flag for the business community as it celebrated a major expansion creating eight new jobs.
Consett company AA Flags Ltd has opened new premises at Park Road North Industrial Estate, doubling its workspace from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet.
The new jobs for highly qualified machinists will all be created by 2003, which will mean the total number of machinists at the company will number 25.
Proprietor of AA Flags Mandy Scott said: "The move represents a major step in the development of AA Flags and a wonderful opportunity to continue the growth of the business and its people."
Miss Scott founded the company in September 1992 after she was made redundant from her job selling flagpoles to the building trade at the age of 24.
With no textile knowledge, two second-hand machines and a fax she set up her operation in a house in Blackhill. She now sells flags to McDonalds, Burger King, Bass and Scottish and Newcastle breweries and football clubs.
Miss Scott received money from Derwentside District Council and the County Durham Development Company to fund the expansion.
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