INTERNATIONAL engineering company Hertel is to create 25 jobs in Ellesmere Port after signing an agreement to lease a new 44,000sq ft manufacturing facility in Cloister Way, Ellesmere Port.

Hertel is a specialist in the oil and gas, offshore, power and utilities process.

The new unit will be used in part to service a long-standing contract for repair and maintenance at the Stanlow refinery.

Phil Bailey, Capabilities Director, Hertel, said: “Hertel has acquired a new purpose built manufacturing facility on Cloister Way to support on-going activities at the Stanlow refinery and other key North West customers.

“In addition to relocating staff from our existing unit at Rossmore Industrial Estate, we anticipate that up to 25 jobs will be created when the site launches in November 2011.

“The move is part of Hertel’s wider expansion plans in the North West and will help enhance our relationship with existing and potential clients.”

Robert Mee, chairman of the recently established Ellesmere Port Development Board, said: “This is fantastic news for Ellesmere Port.

“Hertel are an international company with a proven track record in added value engineering and we are delighted that they have chosen to expand their operations.”

The building is being developed by Nantwich- based Andrews Property Investments, which will lease back the premises to Hertel upon completion.

Hertel will start fitting out the premises in the autumn with a view to being fully operational before the end of the year.

Legat Owen advised Andrews Property Investments Limited in relation to the acquisition of the site from Cheshire West and Chester Council and the letting to Hertel.

Warrington-based Morgan Williams advised Hertel on the acquisition.