1,000 job-seekers rush for 100 jobs at Burnley firm

Following its multi-million acquisition of Bowater Building Products last June, VEKA announced that more than 100 vacancies would be available at the PVC-U extrusion company’s Burnley site at Farrington Road on the Rossendale Road industrial estate.

The huge number of applicants at last Thursday’s recruitment day highlights the growing list of workers in Burnley looking for skilled employment. The company says it is also an indication of the reputation VEKA has built up in recent years.

VEKA, which manufactures composite parts for UPVC doors and windows, has gone from strength to strength and has expanded its hi-tech site since coming to Burnley in1986.

Human resources manager Gabriela Hammond said: “The open event was a great success and attracted a huge number of attendees which is good news. The evening included help with application forms and an opportunity to speak to our current employees.

“We also created a company exhibition for visitors to learn more about us and offered site tours. The recruitment process is for production and engineering vacancies.

“These roles offer an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking, international company that values its workforce and invests in their future.”

VEKA is a pleasing success story among Burnley manufacturers, which have been badly hit in recent years due to the difficult economic climate.

Its takeover of Bowater saw it become the largest window systems manufacturer in the country, supplying parts across the UK and Ireland and as far away as Brazil.

The firm now occupies 370,000 square feet and when the new recruits start work in the coming months, there will be more than 255 staff.

Miss Hammond added: “We are very proud to be offering such a fantastic employment opportunity for Burnley.”