TWO directors with more than 100 years experience at Rossendale’s largest manufacturing business have retired.

Ken Marshall and George Poyser both live in Cowpe and used to work full time at kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturer J and J Ormerod, JJO, of Bacup. They retained their part-time directors’ roles after retirement.

When George started as an apprentice joiner in 1950 he was just 15 and had been at school at Lea Bank in Rawtenstall with Allan Greenhalgh, whose parents Ellis and Frances owned the business.

After completing his National Service, he initially returned to the company, then left, but came back again and worked for JJO from 1972.

George, 81, said: “When I started there were just three joiners at the Railway Street premises. There were two apprentices and it was very much a family business. JJO also ran a funeral directors and I used to make coffins.

“I then went on to be the manager of Handyman’s Warehouse in Stacksteads.

“I have happy memories of working at JJO over the years and have seen it change and grow.”

The company is now a multi-million pound business with bases across Rossendale however it has stayed true to its roots and still manufactures its products from scratch in the Valley.

Ken, 80, started as an outside joinery foreman in 1968.

He said: “At that time there were seven joiners. Allan and I had been friends for a long time and when his father died he said I could come and work for him and if it worked out he would make me a director.”

It did, and Ken became director of joinery while George was director of the retail kitchen section.

Ken said: “I have loved every bit of my involvement with the company and if I was to do my time again then I would not change a thing.

“Allan was a fantastic guy and he never fell out with anyone; he was a lovely guy to work with and for.”

Both Ken and George are looking forward to gardening and more holidays and Ken will be looking after his great-grandchildren while George’s grandchildren will be keeping him busy.

Joint Managing Director Stephen Greenhalgh said: “When Handyman’s Warehouse was open we were one of the pioneers of Sunday trading because we would open from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

“The rise of larger DIY chains unfortunately meant we had to close the shop, but the buildings were transformed into what is now Rossendale Interiors.

“At JJO we are delighted that even though our business has grown, we still retain that family atmosphere within the workforce and longevity of service.

“In the joinery department we have three generations of the same family working for us. Another joiner who originally trained with us as an apprentice in 1976 has just return to work for JJO.

“The joinery workshop has also evolved and recently relocated from its three storey base at Railway Street in Stacksteads to Wardle Street where it is now on one floor.

“I would like to thank George and Ken for their loyal service and they are welcome back to JJO anytime.”