A MAJOR health and beauty manufacturer will bring new jobs to Andover after signing a deal to move into the town.

Laleham Health and Beauty will take up residency after securing the lease for the Evolution 50 unit on Walworth Business Park.

The move will see the company expand its existing operations in Alton and will help to support the local economy and bring new jobs.

Giles Harrison, finance director at Laleham Health & Beauty, said: "This is an exciting time for Laleham Health & Beauty and we're looking forward to expanding our operations into this superb building in the heart of one of the south's best business parks."

Evolution 50 is the 51,626 sq ft unit built as part of a joint venture between Kier Property and Test Valley Borough Council. It is the first development of its kind in Andover for more than 20 years.

Economic development and tourism portfolio holder, Councillor David Drew, said: “This is really great news and I am delighted that Laleham Health & Beauty will be joining us in Test Valley. Their presence will help boost the local economy and job opportunities in the area.

“The project to deliver the high-quality Evolution 50 unit with our partner, Kier Property, is testament to the Council’s commitment to explore and develop new ways to generate income locally at a time when funding from central government is being reduced.”

Leigh Thomas, executive director of Kier Property, added: "Evolution 50 was built specifically to address a lack of supply of good quality industrial space on the south coast and I'm pleased that our vision for this impressive building is turning into a reality by securing a letting to one of Hampshire's biggest employers."

In a further boost to the area, the development of the Columbus Quarter has commenced on site and will be completed in June 2019 which will deliver a Lidl, Starbucks and Greggs.