MORE than 100 jobs are set to be created in a Suffolk town after a factory announced it was extending its production line.Stowmarket currently has prime retail sites even within the heart of the community lying vacant with workers facing redundancy and residents worried about their job security.

MORE than 100 jobs are set to be created in a Suffolk town after a factory announced it was extending its production line.

Stowmarket currently has prime retail sites even within the heart of the community lying vacant with workers facing redundancy and residents worried about their job security.

But now recruitment agency Adecco is looking to recruit candidates for a range of jobs in all of the factory operations of Bosch Lawn & Garden in the town.

The work will include basic production, forklift, warehouse, testers and those who could be team leaders with the ability to supervise for candidates who are willing to work flexible shifts.

Anne Whybrow, mayor and a county councillor for the community, said: “This is terrific. At a time when the economy is all doom and gloom, here is Stowmarket with a company investing in people.

“It will be great. We hear of so many people every day losing their work and the Citizens Advice Bureau and job centre have been inundated with people coming in.

“If you have 100 extra people working on the Bosch site it has to be good for the town's economy as a whole.”

The current Stowmarket site has been producing lawnmowers since 1925, beginning with hand mowers and continuing to produce products across the range up to the modern day cordless mowers.

The factory currently employs around 400 local workers.

Jean Henderson, head of human resources at Bosch Lawn & Garden, said: “Bosch is a global company that has had a long history in the UK. During the current economic climate, we are pleased that we are able to provide further much needed jobs to help support the local area”.

Ruth Humes, branch manager for Adecco in Bury St Edmunds, said: “The company can offer great opportunities to its workers and has been a large employer in the local area for a number of years.

“The positions we are looking to fill will require changing shift patterns but this can be a very flexible form of working for some people allowing them to juggle their work/life commitments.

“In addition, if you feel you have the experience and drive to be a team leader, the opportunities are available for you to progress.”

The factory began with the name Suffolk Iron Foundry in 1920 and most recently changed its name to Bosch Lawn and Garden following an acquisition during 1995.

n. Do you think the jobs will be a big boost to Stowmarket? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk