AN empty factory in Pinvin will once again become a hive of activity following its purchase by a tableware company.

The former Varnicoat Polestar print works in Pinvin, near Pershore, closed last year after a gradual down sizing in its work force.

But today (Wednesday, August 13) Wychavon District Council has announced its purchase by Arc Tableware International Ltd.

In one of Worcestershire’s largest property deals in recent years, the 292,000 sq ft site will allow the company to consolidate its operations on one site and provide room for business growth in the future. The company’s current workforce of 37 is expected to grow by an initial 14 jobs in the short term and they hope to expand even further in coming years.

It supplies well known French glassware and dinnerware brands such as Chef and Sommelier, Arcoroc and Pyrex and also supplies more than a third of the UK market for drinksware.

Brian Thorp, managing director at Arc Tableware International Ltd, said: "We are very pleased to be moving to Abbey View and want to thank Wychavon District Council for all their help and support over the past few months.

"Our move to Abbey View is part of our long term commitment to supplying the UK and Irish markets with our global brands of glassware and will allow us to bring all of our UK warehousing requirements under one roof."

Councillor Paul Middlebrough, leader of Wychavon, added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Arc to the district and really pleased that they will be bringing back into use this large prominent site which has been empty for over a year.

"As part of our Grow in Wychavon campaign we will continue to help Arc reach their business and employment potential. This investment demonstrates that our partnership approach with the County Council and Worcestershire LEP is working well."