A STEEL firm is stepping up production by purchasing a new site.

DSL Fabrications, based in Hall Road, Aylesford, has bought the production complex at Hoo Marina, near Rochester.

The one-and-a-half-acre site, previously owned by NPV Steel Fabrications, boosts the company's capacity and adds 23 staff to the payroll.

The Hoo Marina site will concentrate on the production of structural steelwork and equipment for the process plant industry. But bosses believe it will enable the firm to move into different sectors.

Dave Lucas, DSL managing director shook hands on the deal with NPV's outgoing managing director Martin Hessenthaler.

He said: "We are very pleased with the purchase of NPV. With these extra facilities and experienced staff, we will be able to broaden our service offering and carry out more heavy duty jobs such as process plant work whilst maintaining the high standards that DSL is built on."

For 20 years, the company has provided a wide range of building engineering services, including design, manufacture and installation of metalwork and steelwork.

Its products include fire escape staircases, access equipment, balustrades, steel structures and process plant equipment.