A NEW range of products being launched by a South Lakeland company looks set to significantly boost sales while increasing business for Herdwick sheep farmers.

Kendal-based Goodacre Carpets will be launching three completely new ranges of carpet at next month's National Floorshow in Harrogate and is looking to launch two more by the end of the year.

Chief executive Mike Cornish says the company has a much brighter future after having to make redundancies earlier in the year.

"These are really exciting times because the launch of new ranges often only happens every few years but now we could have five in the space of three months.

The new products include an extended Naturally Herdwick brand, a new Simply Herdwick carpet and another tufted Herdwick carpet that has yet to be named.

Launched in 2002, Naturally Herdwick has proved a big hit in the carpet trade.

By using more Herdwick wool, and promoting the Herdwick brand heavily, Aynam Road-based Goodacre aims to substantially increase its demand for wool Mr Cornish says these brands will be the most significant.

"As we are a small player in a big market it is important that we can offer something different.

"As we are the only ones to use Herdwick wool and because we can get it from Cumbria, we will have that.

"The amount of wool we need from farmers will go up by four or five times the current level."

The company will also be refreshing its Lakeland Heathers range and launching a range of shag piles and a carpet aimed at the luxury end of the market.

Mr Cornish said: "We are expecting a significant rise in sales because we will be producing a more attractive style of carpet and by introducing plainer designs this will help us go into the southern market.

"There is also a chance of creating new jobs because we are expecting major growth," he added.

After rolling out the Herdwick Collection at the National Floorshow, the firm is planning an international launch and hopes to generate significant interest, especially in the USA and Japan.

Plans are also in the pipeline to re-launch the corporate side of the business and the company will be unveiling a new logo at next month's show.