THE boss of a Westhoughton firm reckons his business is playing its part in flying the flag for British manufacturing.

A recent report by Boston Consulting Group, a top consultancy, has revealed that the UK is one of the cheapest manufacturing locations in the western world.

Select Garage Doors, in Wingates Business Park, has been making and selling bespoke garage doors for almost 15 years.

British factories are still producing eight per cent less than they were making at the end of 2000, but output in the services sector, as well as in the overall economy is the highest it has ever been.

However, since Select Garage Doors began in 2000, staff numbers and turnover has doubled. They now have 14 staff and the company is growing from strength to strength.

Director Dave Moors said: “I am really proud of the company and to be able to give something back to the British manufacturing sector.

“More than half of the current Select team began working in the industry between 20 and 30 years ago, so the level of skills we have is extensive.

"It’s great to hear that, as a nation, Britain is firmly back on the map as a leader in high quality manufacturing.

“Many people will ask why we manufacture our products here in the UK and not abroad?

“Simply put, yes there are some door parts that originate overseas, but we make the doors from scratch in-house so we then have the flexibility to make bespoke products for the customer.

“We can take the raw steel material, then cut and form it and assemble and powder coat it as necessary for each individual order.

“This means we can create a one-of-a-kind, made-to-measure garage door for your exact measurements and needs.

“Better still, by manufacturing the doors ourselves, it allows us to do it quickly and efficiently.

“We don’t have to wait around for a third party, delivery stocks or shipping times, so you get your new purchase promptly.”