A Bradford fridge manufacturer celebrated its 75th anniversary by announcing plans to increase its output by 50 per cent.

Idle-based George Barker & Company (Leeds) Limited hopes to see production increase from around 8,000 commercial units to as many as 12,000 in the next year.

Managing director Graham Young made the bold prediction as the firm marked threequarters of a century with a visit from the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wight-man.

While at the firm's headquarters in Highfield Road, Coun Wightman met four of the company's longest-serving employees, with 147 years between them.

Mr Young said: "It is an achievement for any company, particularly in the UK manufacturing sector, to be around for 75 years. We are also reasonably successful, which is pretty unique, and have been expanding rapidly recently.

"The firm has also been getting more and more efficient, even though we do remain a very labour-intensive manufacturer."

The company was formed in 1928 by Leeds businessman George Barker and maintained a site in Rodley, Leeds, until last year when it moved all its operations to Bradford. Barkers became part of the international ElFi Cold group of companies in November 1999, alongside complementary specialist operations in France, Germany and Italy.

Turnover was approximately £58 million last year and is likely to grow as the output breaks through the 10,000 target.

Among the 575 employees at the firm's Idle base are charge hand electrician Derek Booth and team leader Ken Doffy, who have both recorded 40 years' service.

The pair were among those who met Coun Wightman along with vice-director of operations Tony Callaghan, who has 29 years' service, and site co-ordinator Mick Boodle with 38 years.