A car parts manufacturer threatened with closure following the collapse of MG Rover is celebrating the opening of a purpose-built £4 million factory after winning new orders and doubling its workforce.

Shrewsbury-based Cobra Automotive UK is now exporting to China and looking forward to breaking into new European markets with its interior trims, including loadfloors, sun blinds and loadspace covers.

Sales this year have increased by 300% and turnover has quadrupled to £2.5 million.

And it owes much of its success to Accelerate, which provided strategic and financial assistance to help the company shrug off the impact of losing a quarter of its annual turnover back in 2005.

Production is going from strength to strength at its second base in Welshpool and the ambitious firm continues to win a string of exciting orders from customers, including Bentley, Volkswagen and CNH Tractors.

The purpose-built 25,000 sq ft site at Buttington Cross, one of the biggest business parks in the area, houses modern office, testing and manufacturing facilities.