A KEIGHLEY company is celebrating the 20th anniversary of a management buyout.

Since the move, NSF Controls has continued to grow year-on-year.

The firm, based at Halifax Road, Ingrow, is now acclaimed as a leading UK designer and manufacturer of solenoids and switches.

Its products are used globally across a wide range of applications, including defence and security, the automotive industry, utilities and in medical and leisure functions.

The original company can be traced back to 1931, but following a merger between owner Lucas Industries and Varity Corporation in 1996, NSF Controls was amongst several divisions considered surplus to future requirements.

However, the management team and employees saw the potential and led a successful buyout.

Appropriately, the deal was completed on Independence Day.

Over the past two decades, the company has seen ongoing investment in advanced tooling and manufacturing facilities and has developed its accreditations.

It employs around 100 people, including several who were part of the buyout team.

Among them is Doug Priestley, now the chief executive officer.

He said: “With a transformation in the way global manufacturers manage engineering today, we take a much more flexible working approach.

“Partnering to suit client requirements, our experienced team is able to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.

“And it’s this dynamic approach that has generated results.

“Sales have risen, turnover has tripled and we are now exporting to over 30 countries.”

He added: “Ensuring our team is highly trained is important too in securing the future of the business.

“The development of local skills through apprenticeships is key.

“Our ongoing programme of workforce development means employees are encouraged to improve their techniques and environment. Evidence of this is apparent where assembly lines have been rationalised to minimise fatigue, and split shifts rotate within the new lines.

“We’re looking ahead now to the next 20 years and the changes that will be happening in manufacturing and how we can support the exciting technological and engineering complexities of the markets in which we operate.”

NSF has been behind a number of innovations, from better-performing chargers for mobile phones to a revolutionary control switch for the guitar market.