The company, which recently bought and upgraded three large Georgian townhouses on Friargate, Derby, is the operations arm of PKL Investments, which owns and is converting the building.

The former factory is directly behind the Stay Company's existing apartments, in the Friarsgate area. It is being converted into eight two-bedroom apartments.

Each apartment will feature a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining and seating area, and free private parking is also available on site.

A planning statement prepared by Gaskell on behalf of PKL Investments last year said the plans for the factory "play an economic role by providing jobs though the construction and occupation of the proposed development. The addition of serviced apartments allows for some of the larger employees within the city to provide additional staff accommodation as and when required."