A CROSS Hills chemical manufacturer’s latest recruit is not unfamiliar with the company.

For Sam Blakeley, who has joined Airedale Chemical as a product development chemist, once carried out work experience at the firm.

The 25-year-old has a masters degree in chemistry from the University of Sheffield and experience as a quality assurance technician in the paint and preservative industry.

“I’m looking forward to taking on more responsibility in this new role and developing my technical skills,” said Sam. “I found the work experience so interesting I have always wanted to return as a permanent member of the team.”

Dan Marr, commercial director at Airedale Chemical, welcomed the appointment. “Sam has demonstrated great potential which we will be developing through some of the interesting challenges set by our customers,” he said.