A METAL and waste recycler with sites in Bolton and Leigh is celebrating its 70th year as a family business.

Since 1944, five generations of family-owned Chadwicks Recycling have kept the company going — from great grandfather Stanley Chadwick, to current managing director Sean and his nephew, Sam, the youngest member of the clan, aged just 19.

The firm has sites in Oakenbottom Road, Breightmet, and Manchester Road, Leigh, and uses the latest equipment and machinery to process up to 150,000 tonnes of waste a year.

It started as a plant hire and general haulage firm, but as a recycling firm it now services the whole of the North West.

Sean said: “At 70 years old, we’re as good as we’ve ever been. We’re a really close family. I suppose we have to be, having worked together for 70 years.

“Currently there are three generations working for the business — my dad Michael, my brother Gary, and myself and Sam.”

The five generations of Chadwick have seen their fair share of changes over the years, starting life during the World War Two, operating from just a horse and cart.

“I remember the times when we didn’t use million pound equipment to recycle waste,” said Sean’s grandfather, Clifford.

“We used good old-fashioned hard work, and our keen eye for detail, to determine recyclable and precious materials back then.”

Although he is not required, Clifford can still be seen popping in for a brew every now and then, further emphasising the family values upon which the Chadwicks pride themselves.

“We’ve certainly come a long way since our humble beginnings,” added Sean. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the company over the years, from our staff at Chadwicks, to suppliers and our loyal customer base.