Deeside based sofa firm hopes to create up to 200 jobs after signing a five-year deal with Ikea.

Westbridge Furniture Designs, which currently employs 650 people at its sites on Deeside Industrial Estate and in Greenfield, has announced it plans to create up to 200 new positions after signing a five-year deal with industry giant Ikea.

Managing director Paul Islip said the firm has employed 60 people to deal with the contract and hopes to increase the number over the next 12 months.

Mr Islip said the contract is to supply upholstery including sofas, chairs, sofa beds, corner groups and footstools covered in leather and fabric.

The company already suppliers some of the countries top retailers such as M&S, Next and John Lewis.

The firm has a head office at Greenfield, Holywell and a site on Deeside Industrial Park.

As a result of the Ikea deal, Mr Islip said the company had also commissioned a 140,000 sq ft premises on Deeside Industrial Estate.

He added:

“We’re absolutely delighted that we have been able to meet the requirements to supply Ikea and look forward to a long a prosperous relationship with them, for the area, it means we can create up to 200 new jobs.”

Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant welcomed the news and said:

“This really is fantastic news for Deeside and it is encouraging to see local firms that are clearly doing well.

“The steady creation of new jobs over the next year will present some great opportunities for local residents.

“I wish Westbridge Furniture Designs all the very best with their impressive new contract and hope this will be one of many success stories for our region.”