A KEIGHLEY steel tube manufacturing company has moved a step ahead of its competitors after becoming one of a handful of UK firms in its sector to receive an EU seal of approval.

Wells Spiral Tubes Ltd, based in Prospect Works, Airedale Road, which makes and distributes spiral tubes, fabrications and associate fittings across the UK and Europe, has been awarded a CE marking for its flue systems.

Under the testing process, Wells Spiral sent a whole flue system away to a location in the south of England to be assessed where it underwent a series of tests for its durability in wet and windy conditions.

Although it has become a requirement by EU law for all companies to have their flue systems CE marked when sold in the UK, Wells Spiral have got in early and received its accolade.

The CE marking is the manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the requirements of the applicable EC directives.

Established in 1967, Wells Spiral currently employs 22 people at its Keighley site and has become one of only four companies in the country to achieve the CE mark so far. Wells Spiral’s flue system features aluminium and stainless steel and has ten-metre tube lengths available.

Paula Stenhouse, managing director, says the award will give the company an advantage in the marketplace.

She said: “We are a quality company but this CE mark really backs it up, it is a seal of approval for us.

“It’s a big step forward for the company and gives us an advantage over other companies in the marketplace.

“This marking is good for our reputation. We are one of only three or four companies in the country to receive this marking.

“The test is all about the quality of the flue systems. You have to have this mark for health and safety reasons. A lot of our customers have started to request the CE mark.

“We are a family-run company and we have done well to achieve this mark. It is very difficult to get it.”

The firm offers ductwork to drainage, and from flue systems to agriculture and civil engineering.