30th birthday for Clitheroe firm Ultraframe

John Lancaster launched the company in 1983 with a workforce of two and masterminded its growth into the world’s largest supplier of conservatory roofing, eventually employing more than 800 in the town.

“John Lancaster has left a great legacy for Clitheroe with Ultraframe, and we are incredibly proud of that strong association with him and to be able to celebrate 30 years of Ultraframe together,” said Mr Slade, the firm’s present chief executive

“The company is such a big part of Clitheroe and remains one of the biggest employers in the Ribble Valley. Our strength comes from our people, our innovation and technical excellence.

“We have a workforce to be proud of.

“We’ve had tough times since the recession, but we’ve seen a year of growth at Ultraframe and we can look ahead to the future with confidence.”

Mr Lancaster was voted Lancastrian of the Year last month and Mr Slade said it was fitting that the celebrations were held at The Grand, the state-of-the-art venue in York Street, Clitheroe, built by the Lancaster family.

“John Lancaster’s incredible charity work across the world is a mark of the man, He has dedicated his life to helping others and I couldn’t think of a more fitting accolade than this title. Everybody at Ultraframe was so proud of him,.”

Mr Lancaster, who addressed many of his former colleagues at Ultraframe, said: “It was a great honour to be asked to speak at Ultraframe’s 30th celebration dinner, where I met people like Michael Sharp and Beverley Dickinson, who have been with Ultraframe almost from the start.

“We shared a lot of very special memories.”

Mr Lancaster was also invited to tour the factory as part of the company’s celebration year.

He added “Ultraframe’s future looks good, and will continue to be a market leader.”