A half million pound investment in advance factory premises on a succesful industrial estate could lead to more jobs creation in Grantown on Spey, according to the area's local development agency Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE).

A planning application for three new units on the Achnagonalin industrial estate has just been lodged with the Highland Council and if succesful means the units should be ready for occupation by summer next year.

The new factory units, which will cost up to a total of £525,000, are designed to attract high-quality manufacturing or food-processing companies. It is estimated they could lead to the creation of up to 30 jobs.

The Achnagonalin estate has been a success story since it was first developed in 1995. The first unit was occupied by Strathaird Ltd - who still operate from the site and employ 30 people. Two units were built in 1997 and, having been previously occupied, are now being sold to a private buyer. Most recently, two further advance units were completed in March 2000 and have now been leased to McKellars Engineering. They employ 25 people on site, bringing their total staff in Grantown on Spey to over 120.

These achievements mean the Achnagonalin estate currently has no available space to attract new businesses - and are the motivation behind the current expansion.

MBSE chief executive Douglas Yule said: "There is a good track record of speculative building stimulating latent demand for industrial premises like this in Strathspey - and in Grantown in particular. We've been delighted with the success of the Achnagonalin estate so far and these new units would represent the next step forward.

"Throughout the MBSE area, and the wider Highlands and Islands, the availability of advance business premises has paid dividends time and again in attracting jobs and economic activity to specific locations. In today's business climate having premises available for immediate entry is increasingly important and we would hope that these new units - if approved - will play their part in bringing jobs to Grantown on Spey."

If approved, the construction contract would go to tender shortly with work expected to start in February next year.