Three long-serving managers at Keighley Laboratories have been appointed divisional directors.

Michael Emmott, Matthew Mellor and David Wright have between them clocked up almost 100 years working for the firm.

They were appointed in recognition of their contribution to past performance and their key roles in future growth plans.

Keighley Laboratories, based in South Street, specialises in the analysis, testing and heat treatment of metals.

Michael has become divisional commercial director for the heat treatment division, Matthew is the divisional technical director responsible for the technical services division, while David is named divisional production director for the heat treatment division.

Debbie Mellor, the managing director, said: “We are entering an important new phase for the company, especially with the opening of our latest production facility this year, and these promotions were designed to help restructure the senior management team, to lead the company forward.

“By assuming greater responsibility, each new divisional director will have ownership of his respective area and the capacity to implement strategic changes, instigate further process improvements and ensure our continued market progress.”

Michael joined Keighley Labs in 1969 as a trainee heat treatment inspector. In his new role he will manage the company’s national and international customer base and target fresh business opportunities arising from the new production facility and other technical initiatives.

Matthew joined Keighley Labs in 1990 from Bingley Grammar School as a trainee metallurgical technician.

In his new position he will run the company’s test house, machine shop and chemical analysis departments, work on improving overall efficiency, and expand the company’s technical accreditations, adding to a list that already includes UKAS, British Aerospace, Bombardier, Rolls Royce and Airbus.

David has been with Keighley Laboratories since 1978.

In his new post, David will manage a 40-strong team and be in overall charge of the company’s production process and ancillary operations.

He will oversee the integration of the new production department and ensure that the total heat treatment function conforms with expected quality standards and turnaround times.