A NORTON-based company is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Bright Steels Ltd, which is a family-run business, has since expanded to become one of the largest producers of bright drawn steel flat and square bars in England, and among the largest in Europe.

The company currently has 80 staff members, 11 of whom have accumulated more than 40 years of employment and a further 16 have been with the company for more than 25 years.

Managing director Philip Jackson said: “From the very beginning of our existence, we have been a family business and remain under the ownership and control of the Chouler family.

“We continue to practice what we preach not only in the ownership of the company, but also in employment. Our entire workforce comes from our local community, and we have always been keen to invest in our staff and that includes taking on a number of apprentices.”

In recognition of the growth of the company, three members of the senior management team, Chris Cattle, Steve Everitt and Paul Stead have recently been promoted to the position of director in recognition of their contribution.

Mr Jackson said: “As Bright Steels Ltd celebrates its centenary, these appointments strengthen the structure of the company as it continues to invest and build for the future.

“We want to evolve as a business, seeking to continually improve and offer the best quality of service and product to our customers wherever in the world they are located.

“We make our moves thoughtfully, but we are building the company for the long-term with the intention of making it future-proof so that a legacy is left for the next generations. As a result, we remain careful in our steps, just to make sure that we are taking the right decisions that will make us more efficient in serving our customers.”