A COMPANY which is marking 36 years operating from the same village mill building has plans to expand its manufacturing capacity.

The firm – now known simply as Eastburn – began as a small outfit, with piles of old pine furniture and a stripping tank, on the ground floor of Eastburn Mills.

Founded by Simon Byrne, the company was originally called Eastburn Pine – later becoming Eastburn Country Furniture before its current shortened name was adopted.

From those humble beginnings, the business – which produces bespoke kitchens, furniture and interiors – has grown to boast a strong team of craftspeople and designers.

A showroom and offices now span all three floors of the mill building, which is located in Main Road between Steeton and Cross Hills.

Following years of continued growth for the company, Simon and Sarah Byrne organised a takeover of shares through a management buyout with long-time employee Andrew Starkey.

The change of ownership was completed in April last year.

As a result, Andrew was appointed managing director – supported by colleagues Matt Harris, as technical director, and Sam Waddington, creative director – with each of them also owning shares in the business.

Simon continues to work for the company on a part-time basis.

Eastburn currently employs 35 people, most of whom live within a couple of miles of the company's purpose-built workshops, situated close to the showroom.

Now – with the new management team at the helm – the firm aims to further expand its manufacturing capacity, creating more jobs locally and developing its apprenticeship scheme with colleges in the district.

Andrew says: "With our workshops only a two-minute walk from the showroom, we can offer full project management from start to finish – with complete control right from the initial designs through to final installations.

"We work nationwide, installing beautifully-designed bespoke handmade cabinetry for any room in the home, as well as working alongside architects and interior designers on large-scale internal joinery projects – whilst continuing to use quality sustainable materials, and always solid timber.

"We’re continuing to build on Eastburn’s well-established reputation for good design and quality manufacturing.

"We are a young team, using local people and our local manufacturing to work on projects all over the country. It is hugely sustainable, and something we’re very proud of.

"Our cabinetry is built to last for a lifetime, with traditional cabinet making at its core.

"And loyal to our humble beginnings, we still operate a paint stripping service, using the same tank used from day one!"