A MALVERN-based packaging firm is hoping to double the size of its factory.

Robert Schooling, owner of Meridian Speciality Packaging, has put in a planning application to extend the Spring Lane North premises.

The proposal, if allowed, would increase the floorspace from 812 square metres to 1,740 square metres.

Mr Schooling said the firm makes high-quality packaging and promotional material for "blue-chip" clients, including famous names such as Harrods, Fortnum and Mason, Boots and Waitrose.

He founded the company on his own in 1994, operating out of premises at Clarence House, Malvern.

He had seen a niche for a specialist packaging manufacturer while he was working as the production manager in a similar business.

After a while, he moved the company to the Hanley Workshops at Hanley Swan, before moving back to Malvern four years ago.

The firm currently has 16 employers, but the extension will mean six or seven extra staff initially, with possibly more to follow.

"One of the main reasons for the extension is that a lot of what we supply is food packaging and there are new regulations coming in that we have to comply with," said Mr Schooling.

The investment is large - about £0.5 million for the building alone, with more for the equipment - but Mr Schooling thinks it is worthwhile.

"We've been working closely with the planners over this. We approached them prior to putting in the plan," said Mr Schooling.