AN ELLESMERE manufacturing business is set to celebrate its 60th year of business next week.

Fabdec, which is based in Grange Road, opened up on November 24, 1960 and will mark the start of its seventh decade of business making a number of different items, including the only British manufacturer of refrigerated bulk milk tanks.

They supply throughout the world and have diversified into the heating sector as well making high-quality stainless steel.

The company now employs more than 100 people and managing director Chris Powell thanked all those who have helped the company reach its milestone.

"Fabdec is very happy to be celebrating its Diamond Anniversary – 60 years in business," he said.

"Fabdec manufactured refrigerated bulk milk tanks for the transition by the Milk Marketing Board from milk churns to bulk collection on dairy farms.

"The company is still at the original Ellesmere base and still the only UK manufacturer of refrigerated bulk milk tanks, which it now supplies throughout the world.

"Over the years, using core skills in high quality stainless steel fabrication and thermal transfer technology, Fabdec has diversified into other markets and is proud of its heritage and to be recognized as market leaders.

"Fabdec would like to thank all present and past employees, customers and suppliers who have helped us achieve and now celebrate this important milestone and looks forward to continued partnership."

The company has offices in Germany, Russia and Poland, and a turnover of £13 million with around half its sales for export customers in Europe, Ireland, Russia, Japan, Canada and the USA.

In 2018 Fabdec won Best Manufacturer at the Shropshire Business Awards and the 2019 award for International Trade Through Export.

Last year the company made major investments in the manufacturing facility including a state of art laser welding machine for heat exchanger plates which is the only machine of its type in the U.K.

The company has real green credentials having installed LED lighting and generates its own electricity through solar PV panels installed on the factory roof.