A TYLDESLEY company is continuing to defy gender roles in the macho world of scrap metal.

Maxilead Metals, which was set up by Peter Cray in 1985, owes much of its international success to its team of female directors, managers and auditors.

His wife Vera, 59, and three daughters Anna, 33, Lucy, 32, and Ruby 26 all work at their Parr Bridge Works base.

Quality manager and auditor Vera said: “In Maxilead we hold our own against the men – our office is 100 per cent female.”

Lucy Butler, Peter and Vera’s oldest daughter has worked at the company since the age of 16 and gained her forklift truck licence two years later.

She said “I think the biggest challenge for women working in any male-oriented industry is to be treated as an equal.”

“However, there is no reason why that cannot happen if you work hard to achieve what you want to achieve.”

Each family member has trained in the yard before progressing in the company to improve their knowledge.

Eldest daughter director Anna Dagnall added “The women at Maxilead remain a force to be reckoned with.

Many of us are working mothers who juggle work with family life and although it is hard at times it is very rewarding.”