BOLTON's Remploy factory in Manchester Road has changed direction.

Over the years since it opened in May, 1950, disabled people have stitched everything from surgical boots, casualty bags, army trousers, soft furnishings and overalls to leather car seat covers for Jaguars and seats for racing bikes exported to America.

But it is now moving away from textiles towards a new future in electro-mechanical and electronic assemblies.

Workers who became skilled precision sewing machinists have re-trained as electronic assembly operatives.

Remploy, which is government-funded, was incorporated on April 7, 1945 "to help severely disabled people to do real jobs in the real world."

The Bolton facility has been re-designated as an "Excellence Electronics Factory" after a £100,000 investment in new technology.

The 55 Bolton workers -- described by bosses as "first class and adaptable employees" -- work on everything from complex electronics assembly to single-sided boards.

Customers include Innovative Technologies, Protec, Trianco, 4C Electronics, Asco Jouco, Siemens and Ferranti.

Things are going so well at the moment that shift work is being considered to meet demand.

Manager Harry Stephenson, who is 59 and lives in Little Lever, retired recently after 18 years at the factory and has been succeeded by 38-year-old Peter Butterworth.

Mr Butterworth, who lives in Rochdale, has more than 17 years' management experience in the electronics sector.

He has moved to Remploy from Celestica and was previously with Solectron, Microvitec and Genrad.

Mr Butterworth said the market reaction to Remploy's new business initiative had been "very positive."

He was optimistic about the future and said he was keen to encourage orders from any North-west firms who were interested in what they had to offer.

"We have invested and we will invest in the future as well," he said.

Remploy also runs Interwork, a scheme which provides local disabled people with the support they need to get back into employment.

Deborah Wynn and her team help employers find the right people for the job and give support to both employee and employer.

They are currently looking for staff for the Last Drop Inn.

Peter and Deborah can be contacted on 01204 525305.

Peter Butterworth (left) and Harry Stephenson discuss the new system. WELL DONE EVERYONE: Pauline Clapp, the Safety representative, is pictured receiving the factory's certificate for going three years without a lost time accident from Harry Stephenson (left) and Peter Butterworth. They are watched by Stephen Bridgwater, Dean Mackay, Christine Kay and Kenneth Barker.