AN automotive parts manufacturer has turned developer to fund its future growth.

Barton Cold-Form, of Kidderminster Road, on the Berry Hill Industrial Estate, Droitwich, has been given planning permission to redevelop its factory in to three non-food retail buildings.

The company has expanded so much it now needs to move into larger premises in Stonebridge Cross.

The move will cost it more than £3m and it hopes the change of use at their current locations will help.

Eric Forgan, chairman of Barton Cold-Form, said: "At the moment the site we are in is not suitable for modern manufacturing and we need to move if we are to stay competitive.

"We have grown a lot in recent years and doubled in size in the last four years alone - taking our annual turnover to £9m and employing a total of 130 people.

"To generate funds we are working with Parkridge Development to redevelop the site for retail use.

"We are delighted Wychavon District Council has agreed to this and now look forward to the work beginning."

The three large units (two of 10,000sq ft and one, 7,500 sq ft) will be on the corner of Kidderminster Road and George Baylis Road.

They will be opposite an existing retail park, which currently houses DFS, Miller Brothers and Homebase stores.

Mr Forgan was keen to point out that the new premises would not step on their toes, or indeed anyone else's for that matter.

He added: "We are not sure who is going to take over the sites yet, but they are ideal for bulky goods that people can just come and pick up.

"We have already had a lot of interest for the plots and those making enquiries have offered that sort of service.

"But seeing that we don't expect the changes to be complete before the end of next year, it is too early to say for sure who will be on here.

"We just look forward to it being for the benefit of Droitwich and to our own continued success."