A BOLTON manufacturing firm is celebrating being in business for 40 years.

Lever Street-based Compact Instruments is a leading manufacturer of high quality speed measurement products.

The company, which develops and manufactures its own products, was formed in 1976 and is today owned and managed by Barry Jones who has worked within the organisation for more than 25 years.

Managing Director Mr Jones, who says quality is key to his success, has taken the business forward and seen the company grow into a market leader.

He said: “Our products are renowned in the industry for their high quality and performance. At every stage of manufacture rigid quality control procedures are followed, ensuring all products meet the various stringent national and international standards.”

From its early days, Compact Instruments established itself as a quality manufacturing company, specialising in a niche market. It now has an annual turnover of more than £1m.

The company has introduced new models during its 40 years, notably the first intrinsically safe hand held tachometer - the A2109/LSR.

The majority of employees have been with the company more than 10 years, with the longest length of service being 20 and 25 years respectively, and all staff have gained NVQ’s and are trained to a professional standard.

Compact is also currently working closely with Lancaster University to develop a new system which will automatically measure the quality of water in aquariums. Quite different to its core activities but a market it sees as a growth area in years to come.