WHEN Little Paxton-based gas controls manufacturer Black Teknigas Limited decided it needed a new, purpose-built factory for its growing activities, it decided to keep the development local. The company has engaged Huntingdon-based Artisan plc – one of th

WHEN Little Paxton-based gas controls manufacturer Black Teknigas Limited decided it needed a new, purpose-built factory for its growing activities, it decided to keep the development local.

The company has engaged Huntingdon-based Artisan plc - one of the few listed companies registered in the district - to build it at Colmworth Business Park in St Neots.

Black Teknigas first moved to Little Paxton, on the Bydand Lane industrial estate, in 1989 as a fledgling management buy-out company employing fewer than 20 people. The £5.5million-a-year company, which was acquired last August by the American controls manufacturer Watts Industries, now has a workforce of 55.

The new 36,000-square-foot factory that will provide manufacturing, warehousing and office space will be built to Black's design, and is expected to be handed over in January next year.

Developers Artisan have built several business parks in Huntingdonshire.