A TIMBER window and door manufacturer opened a £1.5m expansion of its Tiptree factory.

Mumford & Wood, part of the Performance Timber Products Group, invited MP Priti Patel to officially launch the site on Friday.

Colchester mayor Theresa Higgins also attended, along with suppliers, industry representatives and customers.

Roy Wakeman, chairman of the group, said: “It marked another great step forward in the development of Mumford&Wood, which has achieved over 60 consistent years of growth and employment in the Essex area.

“We are proud our brand is recognised as the market leader in the supply of premier quality, highperformance, timber windows and doors for the construction industry.’’

The company employs 120 staff and celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.