A BUSINESS which has gone from a "one-man-band" to an internationally recognised leader in its field in just 10 years celebrated its anniversary with the opening of a new award winning factory unit.

Euravia Engineering and Supply was founded in April 1988 by one man with a dream and the skills and determination to make it come true.

Dennis Mendoros spotted a niche in the market for a specialist company repairing, overhauling, reconditioning and refurbishing aero-engines. And he realised that in this area there was the pool of skilled workers, highly trained in aero-engineering, with which to build such a company.

It was originally based in converted premises in New Road, Earby, but consistent growth and the winning of prestigious Government contracts meant a move to a new purpose-built factory at Colne Road, Kelbrook.

Opened in June 1994, it was the first commercial building in the county to win Lancashire Constabulary's Secure by Design Award, recognising a whole range of security measures.

The new building, erected on the same site and officially opened last Thursday, has won the same award, making Euravia the first company in Lancashire to hold two such awards.

From its humble beginnings, Euravia now has customers from Canada to the USA, in almost every European country, and from the Middle East to the Far East.

This year it began its own training programme to support an intensive recruitment campaign necessary for the continuing expansion of the company to meet new orders.

When the new Airmotive Unit is fully operational, the company will be employing around 50 skilled workers.

Not surprisingly, Thursday was an emotional day for its founder, Mr Mendoros, who paid tribute to the skills and dedication of his workforce. He said the pool of skilled labour was the reason he started up in West Craven, and without his workforce the company could not have succeeded.

With the opening of the Airmotive Unit it was progressing into new high-tech areas, developing its own computer programmes and recognised internationally as a very innovative company.

"We now believe a new era is starting for Euravia and we need to position ourselves ready for the year 2000 to allow us to expand and invest in new technology and human resources over the next five years," said Mr Mendoros.

He also outlined all the support he had received locally, particularly from Pendle Council, remarking that 10 years ago he had been amazed and delighted when a senior officer from the council visited him to offer free advice and help on setting up his business.

It was appropriate that the new building was officially opened by the Mayor of Pendle Coun Jo Belbin. She commented on Euravia's remarkable growth and success, but also paid a personal tribute to Mr Mendoros, not only as company MD but also as a leading figure in initiatives to promote and support the wider area.

He is the founder and chairman of the Consortium of Lancashire Aerospace, chairman of the Pendle Partnership, and has worked closely with the Earby Go! initiative, to name just three.

"He has contributed tremendously to this area," said Coun Belbin. "We couldn't ask for a better ambassador - long may he continue."

The event also included the presentation of the company's second Secure by Design Award, by Supt Mike Griffin. He said although it was a police initiative, it relied on partnership between the police, local authorities and companies in the private sector.

"What is unique here is that this firm was the very first in Lancashire to win this award and here we are with a repeat award for the new premises, and that again is a first," he said.

The award recognises a whole range of security measures incorporated in the design of the building. It not only provides a safe and secure environment for the staff, but also instills confidence in customers.

Once again, Mr Mendoros believes it is a sound investment for a company with an impressive past and looking firmly to the future.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.