A company supplying bar fittings, seating and lighting to restaurants, bars, shops and hotels around the world has celebrated 40 years in business.
Elland-based Andy Thornton marked the milestone by also confirming its outstanding trading figures for the past two years – following on from tough times during the recession.
Sales have risen by almost 50% in two years to July, 2015, and now stand at £12.6m for the latest financial year. Annual profits after tax have more than doubled.
The company has also recruited an extra 25 people during the two-year period – mostly from Calderdale and Kirklees – as well as investing heavily in production, office and warehousing facilities, vehicles, IT systems and marketing.
Managing director Charles Tolley said: “On top of these two consecutive years of fantastic financial results, we have the comfort of a record order-book of £3.3m to take into our new financial year.
“This shows a 24% increase on the same period last year and gives us great confidence for another successful year.
“We are maintaining a strong foothold in our core market, the hospitality sector, whilst continuing to develop relationships in a relatively new market to us, the retail design sector”.
The business was set up in 1975 by Andy and Kate Thornton to buy, restore and sell architectural antiques, working out of old farm buildings in Rastrick.
The first market was the west coast of USA, where the couple supplied salvaged artefacts to bars and restaurants looking for authentic pieces of architecture.
Nowadays the thriving business is rooted in the UK, where it has built a formidable reputation in its key markets.
Andy Thornton has been recognised many times for business excellence and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Export in 1994. The company now employs 105 people and has workshops, showrooms and offices in Elland and Greetland.
As well as being a major manufacturer and supplier of furniture and lighting, the company remains one of the largest suppliers of architectural antiques and original props in the world.
It also has a skilled metal fabrication department, which specialises in the design, manufacture and site installation of major metal structures such as bandstands, shelters and entrance canopies.
Customers include some of the biggest businesses, including Heineken, Center Parcs, Morrisons and Hugo Boss.
Regular customers include Leeds-based Jed Feltham, whose Leelex Group regularly uses Andy Thornton products in his venues. His latest restaurant/bar Pintura in Trinity Centre, Leeds, features Andy Thornton furniture and furnishings in all areas.
Andy Thornton marked its 40th birthday with a party for almost 200 people, including employees and partners, past employees, key advisors and suppliers at Berties @ La Cachette.
