A KEIGHLEY firm has plans to expand – with the creation of up to 25 new jobs.

Byworth Boilers is seeking to extend into a plot of land neighbouring its existing site in Parkwood Street.

The company already has planning permission to demolish warehouse buildings on the adjoining area, which it owns, and replace them with a 324-square-metre facility. The scheme was given the green light in 2021.

But now the business has applied to Bradford Council to increase the scope of its proposals.

Byworth Boilers, which has been located at its current base since the 1970s, has put forward new proposals to build a 1,565-square-metre industrial manufacturing unit with associated office and storage space on the land.

The scheme would include a bridge to connect with the rest of the site, which is on a lower level to the company's existing buildings.

Bosses say the additional structure, for boiler manufacturing and storage, would form part of a "continued growth plan".

The development would enable the firm, which at present employs 130 people, to take on up to 25 extra workers.

Its planning application states: "The new building will allow the manufacturing processes to be more efficiently connected between the stepped sites and the output processes to grow and improve. The inclusion of the new linking bridge will create greater connectivity across the site and reduce vehicle and plant movement between the two levels.

"The proposed new facility responds to Byworth Boilers’ sustainable and continued growth plan and long-term aspirations for the site.

"The expansion works will underpin the value of the site – improving job security, creating new employment opportunities and increasing the longevity of the site and its surrounding area.

"It will increase job opportunities for local people and the proposed works will also lead to a visual improvement of the area."

Over the years, the company has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of industrial boilers in the country.

In 1991 it was awarded a prestigious Royal Albert Hall contract for four new steam boilers, and in recent years it has been at the forefront of several innovations in the boiler industry.

Last year, the company shared in funding from the Keighley Towns Fund business growth programme to help buy new equipment which would enable it to increase capacity and improve productivity.

And the firm hosted a visit by House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt, who praised Byworth Boilers and other businesses in the town.

A decision on the planning application is expected in March.