A BLACK Country business that makes wooden products for the pub and restaurant trade is branching out.

The Porter and Woodman Group has taken root at The Stourbridge Estate and almost doubled its manufacturing space by signing a 10 year lease for another unit opposite its current two.

Products made by the firm, which employs 60 people, include chalkboards, menu holders and wood shop fittings.

But Mike Hodgetts, sales and marketing director at the company, said the expansion meant it has now been able to bring back in-house the other side of its enterprise – a hamper and wine gifts company, which also incorporates packing and distribution.

He said: “As the manufacturing side of the business grew, we had to contract out the packing and distribution as well as the hamper and wine gifts to a company that was able to take in all the stock.

“However, we found that it would be better for us if we took back control of that part of the business.

“It was important for us to expand here because of the site's proximity to Stourbridge town centre and the local communications hub, which makes it an ideal location from which to recruit new staff.”

Mr Hodgetts said he anticipates its staff roll will increase by another 20 per cent over the next couple of years.