A company supplying safety wear and industrial supplies has made a move to new premises.
Louis France Ltd has transferred operations from its home for the past 23 years at Firth Street in Huddersfield to the town’s Prospect Street Works.
The firm is making way for Huddersfield University to expand on the Firth Street site.
Company secretary Carolyn Taylor said the move had brought the firm close to its starting point – it was formed in September, 1939, in premises at nearby Upperhead Row.
The firm, which employs six people, now has offices, a warehouse and a trade counter at the Prospect Street site.
Said Mrs Taylor: “The move took longer than we had hoped because we needed to find the right property. We wanted to retain all operations under one roof and stay in the town.”
The firm supplies several of Huddersfield’s largest businesses. Said Mrs Taylor: “We have some good loyal customers.”
Louis France began as a manufacturer of belting to drive machinery in local textile mills. During the war, the firm also supplied steel helmets and firefighting equipment to the textile trade.
Founder Louis France died in 1953 and the company was bought by colleagues Jack Shaw and Joe Taylor. In 1970, Mr Taylor's son Graham joined the company. He progressed to head its sales operation in 1982 and become managing director in 1989.
Today, the firm supplies products including First Aid kits and outdoor clothing.
