SIR TOM FINNEY CELEBRATES NEW TOUCHLINE SUCCESS Steelwork fabricator, Touchline Fabrications, was delighted to have the legendary Preston North End striker Sir Tom Finney open their new premises on October 14. The opening marks a major move forward for the firm that has grown from a one-person business in 1985, to now employing 35 and occupying a new purpose built factory of 15,000 square feet with additional office space. Football is in the company’s genes. Touchline’s first product was a lightweight fabricated dug-out for amateur football league clubs. From this they progressed into structural fabrications of increasing size and sophistication and they now have contracts requiring up to 500 tonnes of structural steelwork. From the new ISO9001 quality certified factory the company will produce and erect up to 3000 tonnes of structural steelwork annually. Touchline operates as project partners with many of the largest contractors in the North West. Founder and managing director Steve Hardacre gave an outline of the company history and key milestones before introducing Sir Tom, who spoke briefly and unveiled a plaque. Guests from construction industry were able to meet Touchline staff and tour the premises. Steve Hardacre explained that the new premises represent Touchline’s arrival in the premier league of fabricators. The whole project, a £750.0000 investment, was handled on a self-build basis and this was a tribute to the skills and dedication of staff. The relocation had provided an opportunity to review, streamline and update all operations to improve customer service at all levels. The new premises provide tangible proof of this change and a rebranding exercise with new logo’s and identity throughout the company underpins the message of confidence in future growth. More information: Jane Hardacre, Director, Touchline Fabrications Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)1772 796 281 C40 Red Scar Industrial Estate, Longridge Road, Preston, PR2 5NP, UK E-mail: sales@touchlinefab.co.uk Web: www.touchlinefab.co.uk October 17, 2005