A FAMILY-OWNED rope and cordage manufacturer in Radcliffe has just tied up a new and significant deal to safeguard the firm's proud history.

John H. Blakey Ltd, based at New Bridge Mill in Lord Street Industrial Estate, has been taken over by English Braids of Malvern.

Blakey's has been owned by the Sykes family for 75 years and the company has occupied its present factory for the last 12 years.

Previously, the business was located in Dale Street, Radcliffe, but those premises were demolished to make way for a new by-pass.

Mr Andrew Sykes, who has been a director of the company since 1961 and who will retire shortly, said: "I'm delighted that English Braids see the acquisition of Blakey's as an investment in the future.

"The plans for the firm are very exciting and it's pleasing to know the name of Blakey's will live on in Radcliffe." Mr Peter Earp, managing director of English Braids, commented: "This is a great opportunity for us to complement our range of ropes and cords with Blakey's high quality products. There is an excellent team here in the Radcliffe factory and we are investing in new plant and machinery to increase production capacity."

Retraining of the company's 30-strong workforce has begun with the arrival of the new plant.

John H. Blakey is the second subsidiary of English Braids in the Manchester area.

Marina Ropes of Heywood were taken over in 1997 and have flourished under the English Braids banner.

Mr Sykes said: "My grandfather, David, bought the business in 1926. Radcliffe has had a cordage manufacturer for hundreds of years."

For many years the company was run by his father, Ben, and his uncle, Basil. His uncle died in 1960 while his father, who was company chairman, passed away in 1975.

Mr Sykes, who is managing director, is the last member of the original family to be connected with Blakey's. Wife Barbara is co-director and company secretary. As he contemplates the prospect of retiring along with his wife at the end of the month, Mr Sykes said: "I'm just delighted we are handing the business on to such a forward-looking company and that's good for us and the business."

Blakey's manufacture plaited and braided rope and cordage for the industrial, leisure, clothing and building sectors.