A FAMILY-RUN chemical company has appointed its youngest-ever boss who has pledged to open-up new markets and continue its diversification.

Chris Chadwick, 33, has taken the helm at Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical.

The new managing director is the grandson of the late Brian Chadwick, who launched the business in Bradford 43 years ago.

He has succeeded his uncle, Richard Chadwick, who has become chairman of the £50-million-turnover business, which has become a leading manufacturer and supplier of speciality chemicals.

Chris said: “Airedale Chemical has gone through an intense growth plan over the last five years and my plan is to consolidate our capital expenditure and maximise the infrastructure and capabilities we have put in place.

“As well as continuing to grow organically and build on the hard work and success of my grandfather and uncle, I’m also looking to open a new chapter for the company.

“I’ll be developing our speciality chemical offering and proactively entering new markets to continue our diversification strategy, while keeping a key focus on developing our community relations and support programme.

“We began implementing our current five-year growth plan in 2015 which I will continue to drive, keeping up the momentum set by my uncle, who led the company’s greatest period of growth increasing turnover from £8 million to £42 million.”

Chris started working in the company’s chemical blending operation at 18 and experienced every department of Airedale Chemical before becoming the company’s top performing salesman within four years, leading to his appointment as sales director.

He adds: “Our current five-year sales strategy is something I’m extremely passionate about so I’ll be continuing my sales director duties in this timeframe. We will then be looking at further investment to continue growing the company.”