DIESEL engine specialists MAN Diesel is pledging a massive commitment to training in its new UK headquarters building in Stockport.

A £9m investment, on its current site, will see the opening of 20,000 sq ft of offices and 90,000 sq ft of warehousing in spring next year.

It will also bring a UK training academy to deliver hands-on training to MAN Diesel staff, customers and local school leavers and graduates.

MD Wayne Jones said: "We will be linking up with Stockport College and trying to encourage young people into the field of specialist engineering.

"We are committed to the Stockport Economic Alliance which looks at ways of firms working together to boost the local economy. This is one of just six training centres we run around the world, that will offer first-class skills, and it is important to have it here."

In January this year, MAN Diesel reported turnover of £74m with a 15 per cent increase in sales, and Mr Jones says he is confident they can keep up the pace this year despite the economic climate.

He said: "These are tough times, at the moment, and globally we are having to take whatever actions necessary to maximise revenues, but our business is 95 per cent aftersales and servicing, which is very robust."

The new three-storey offices will offer space to grow the business from the current 120 staff.

Mr Jones said: "It was important that we have the flexibility for some expansion, as it is going to be our long-term home.

"This is a very exciting and important step for us, and I think the fact that we are still investing, both here and at the bus and truck centre in Trafford Park, at a time when the global economic situation is really bleak, is a very positive thing."