Richard Threlfall Group, Lynstock Way, Lostock

A FAMILY-owned company whose history spans a remarkable three centuries has certainly moved with the times.

Richard Threlfall Group, located at Lynstock Way, Lostock, can trace its roots right back to 1834. Since then, it has been continuously owned and managed by the same family.

The business has changed its activities many times over the years, but has survived yet another recession with continued profitability.

Group companies comprise Orseal Valves and GB Silicone Technology. Orseal supplies valves primarily to the off-shore oil and the gas distribution industries. GB produces specialist silicone compounds, pigment masterbatches, extrusions and mouldings to a variety of industries.

The Group also develops residential property in North Wales and owns some commercial premises.

Founded by the current chairman Richard Hurst’s great-grandfather, the company is owned by two family trusts and the great grand-daughter of the founder, who is also property director.

Richard Threlfall was originally founded to make textile machinery, which it continued to do until the mid-1970s. It began manufacturing pipeline valves for the Royal Navy in the 1960s, moving into off-shore oil valve manufacture around 20 years later. Tithe silicone rubber business was started in 1985, progressing to manufacturing in the early 1990s.

The business, which has a 24-strong workforce, has always been owned by the direct descendants of the founder, Richard Threlfall.

His son-in-law, William Hurst, took over running the business, followed by Gus Hurst, Richard T. Hurst and then the current chairman, Richard Hurst.

Mr Hurst said: “We have ridden out the recession while maintaining full time working and investing in our factory. We are now looking to employ more staff. We will continue to search for new markets and new products and new ways to exceed our customers’ expectations.”