Five new jobs have been created by a bespoke furniture-maker which has outgrown its former Bradford base.

Designer Factory Kitchens has moved from Leeds Road to a new 35,000 sq ft base at Fairfax House in Drighlington.

DFK has invested £500,000 in the move and equipping its new home with state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly machinery. The firm was launched 18 years ago as a small retailer in the Cannon Mills complex by Mike Baziw and his wife Karen. As sales grew, they diversified into supplying independent retailers and now have 35 employees and annual sales approaching £3 million.

Bedroom, bathroom and study furniture has been added to the range.

Continued investment in hi-tech design and production has led to repeat orders from the medical and dental sectors.

While the firm specialises in exploiting the bespoke ‘one-off’ market, it can also meet bulk orders from the housing associations and contractors.

Managing director Steve North said: “We have a phenomenal customer base, right across the country, many of them in the South, and we’re happy with that.

“This spreads our financial risk and returns healthy margins, but we do retain the flexibility to cope with bulk orders from the contract market.

“Our latest automated routing and cutting machine, installed as part of the move, is the first one of its type in the country and cost £175,000.

“This and our computer-aided design facilities enable us to meet increased volume and unique customer requirements, including the current trend for bow-fronted cabinets.”

DFK’s new home is in the former railway station. The move was achieved in a weekend without affecting production.

Mr North said: “Our new landlord, Wharfedale Properties, was generous in financial terms and practical help in helping us to make the move so quickly and smoothly.”

Enclosed burning of waste sawdust means the firm discharges clean air into the atmosphere and provides heating for the factory.

Jonathan O’Connor, of the Bradford office of chartered surveyors Eddisons, which oversaw the deal, said: “DFK is a real success story and we are delighted to have played a part in their expansion plans.”