A SUCCESSFUL Bolton company is making big progress in a captive market.

Cell Security Ltd at Lostock manufactures cell doors and other items such as custody furniture, windows, tables, chairs and beds for police stations, courts, prisons and other venues including football grounds, railway stations, barracks and racecourses.

They have even provided a couple of cells to accommodate troublemakers in the House of Commons.

The company, which also checks and maintains existing installations, was founded in 1988.

There was a £66,000 turnover in the first year of operations on the Raikes Lane Industrial Estate, but four years later Cell Security had established a national reputation and was able to move to its present home in Lynstock Way with a healthy order book.

These days the turnover is £1 million, a sub-contracting company has just been acquired and there are plans for a £250,000 extension on adjoining land.

Managing Director Carl Hanson is proud of the firm's achievement in securing 80pc of national business in this specialised field.

Carl, a 44-year-old Boltonian, is a partner in the enterprise with his wife Lynn (administrative director), Andrew Morris (technical director) and Paul Morrison (production director).

A significant recent development is the acquisition of A D M Engineering, of Gordon Street, Bury, which has provided a sub-contract machine service to Cell Security and other businesses in the area.

Proprietor Alan Stalker has retired and David Holt, aged 36, has been appointed manager.

Mr Holt, who was formerly production manager of a Bolton engineering company, will be seeking to develop the sub-contracting side of the business.

"My intent is for A D M Engineering to become a source of machined components to all businesses in the area," he said.

A D M specialises in stainless and brass items and ferrous and non-ferrous material.

Mr Hanson said they were currently seeking planning permission for the extension scheme and hoped to know the decision next month.

It was hoped to transfer the A D M operation to Lostock in 12 months time, taking the number of people on site to 34.

Mr Hanson said they would then be able to expand the business further, probably into export markets.

He has already had serious enquiries from Greece, Singapore and Denmark.

"We must be doing something right in the English market," he said. "It is not unreasonable to think we could do something right abroad."

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