PDS celebrates 20 years of business

PDS celebrates turning 20: 20 of the company's longest-serving employees

Local door manufacturer Performance Doorset Solutions (PDS) has just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Set up in March 2003, PDS works with leading names in construction, house building, social landlords and local authorities across the UK, specialising in the manufacture of security fire doors, along with modern and traditional external residential doors.

The company initially started out with just three employees, before growing to 128 employed today. The first year saw 1,500 doors manufactured: over 20,000 are produced now.

The original premises covered 5,000 sq ft and had an initial £700k turnover. Today, its premises at Greenvale Business Park in Littleborough covers more than 90,000 sq ft with a turnover in excess of £13 million.

One of the key company values is ‘giving back to the local community’ with PDS supporting groups and events like Littleborough Cricket Club, the Little Glastonboro event, Springhill Hospice, Petrus, Over the Edge Cycle Ride, Whittaker Golf Club, Little’Pink;Boro as well as local football teams, with several employee fundraising events and company donations of £70k over the last 12 months. 

Recently, 20 of PDS’ longest-serving employees – who boast a combined 357 years’ experience – were invited to celebrate their achievements over the last two decades.

Presenting the employees with celebratory gifts, managing director Tim Fairley said: “When we first started PDS, 20 years ago, we never imagined it becoming one of the main employers in the area.

“To have so many employees that have been with us for, in some cases almost all of that journey is remarkable.

“For our 20th year, I am pleased to present our 20 longest-serving employees with some chocolate and Prosecco, as a small token of our appreciation for all the years of hard work and dedication.

"PDS are proud to call ourselves a community business.”

Business development manager Paula Douglas, who has been part of the PDS team for over 18 years, added: "It was a lovely surprise to be recognised as a long-serving employee and even better to receive chocolates and a fabulous bottle of fizz – two of my favourite things!

"It’s been a privilege to work as part of a cracking team."