IAN Mills is the new chief executive of go-ahead Clitheroe firm Ultraframe plc.

Mr Mills, 50, of Keighley, was educated at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and graduated from Leeds University with an honours degree in civil engineering.

He has left his post as chief executive of Graham Group, one of the UK's largest builders merchants, to spearhead Ultraframe's expansion plans.

Prior to joining Graham Group, Mr Mills was managing director of the UK Metals Products Division of Rugby Group and spent nine years with Boral, the Australian building materials group.

Ultraframe non-executive chairman Don Greenhalgh said he was delighted that Mr Mills was joining the firm.

"The board was impressed by his approach to business and people, as well as his success in developing Graham Group in a very competitive environnment," he said.

"He joins Ultraframe at a time when we are seeing strong growth in the UK and starting to develop overseas.

"We have ambitious plans for the future development of Ultraframe and no doubt Ian's past experience will prove invaluable in achieving these aims."

Ultraframe is now a leading designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems in the UK and Europe.

Workers who bought shares had a bonanza when the firm was floated on the Stock Market in 1997.

Mr Mills said the company had an impressive growth record and he was looking forward to taking up his new post.

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