A steel firm looked to the future as it celebrated its past at a glittering 100th anniversary party in Christchurch.
Directors of John Reid & Son Ltd (REIDsteel) held the centenary celebration for 300 members of staff, clients, suppliers and business associates.
Guests came from across the UK and around the world for the extravaganza, including Belize, Ghana, India, the British Virgin Islands and Mauritius.
The party at the exclusive Captain’s Club hotel included food, drinks, speeches, music, entertainment and a thrilling fireworks display.
It was held to mark 100 years of REIDsteel designing, fabricating and erecting steel structures throughout the UK and across the world following the firm’s foundation by Col John Reid in France in 1919.
Managing director Simon Boyd said: “One hundred years on, the company has a multi-million pound turnover, exported to more than 140 countries to date, won four Queen’s Awards for International Trade and has maintained its position as the go to company for the most cost effective, high quality structures.
“While exporting remains an important factor for the future, we continue to develop our important UK market which has always been a mainstay of the business.
“Our longevity and success has been down to skills and hard work of our people who have provided the best quality service with integrity over many years.
“Our policy of placing innovation, customer care and staff involvement at the heart of everything we do will also be a key factor as we look forward to exciting relocation plans in the coming years.
“Our thanks goes out to everyone who has contributed to the company’s success, particularly our customers and suppliers without which we would not survive.
“It is a mark of our care for our stakeholders to see clients and suppliers make exceptional efforts to make the party.
“Some travelled halfway across the world to mark this achievement.”
VIP guests at the party included Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope and Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling.
REIDsteel employs a core staff of 130 people plus numerous subcontractors. Exports make up 70 per cent of business.
It contributes at least £6m per year to the local economy and is sponsor of the Dorset Chamber’s Young Chamber Programme and the Dorset Business Awards.
The company is looking forward to major relocation plans in 2020 when it will move to a purpose built facility in the Christchurch area which will allow it to invest in cutting-edge technology, boost productivity and create more jobs.
REIDsteel – which celebrates its centenary this year – specialises in providing entire steel frame and building envelope solutions all under one roof.
Thanks to their in-house capabilities and expertise, they are regularly contracted to design, manufacture and supply complete steel structures including the cladding, glazing, louvres and staircases for projects anywhere in the UK, Europe and across the world.
They include bridges, hospitals, sports stadia, disaster resilient buildings, defensive structures, churches, schools, industrial & commercial buildings, warehouses and advanced aircraft hangars.
Visit www.reidsteel.com for more details.