IRONSMITH Brian Rourke turned hens out of their coop when he started his business on Deerplay Moor above Bacup.

That was 38 years' ago and a far cry from the booming business which last year expanded into a 60,000 sq ft factory on a six and a half acre site on Accrington Road, Burnley.

His first piece was a decorative radiator cover for a friend. Now the business produces thousands of high quality intricate wrought iron pieces - everything from imposing gates and hanging baskets to wine racks and decorative ornaments.

More than half the products are exported to countries such as Japan, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the Far East and the company uses the most modern techniques in the country to create its masterpieces in metal.

Managing director Brian admitted: "I have been very lucky. I have got good staff and have been able to make a living out of doing what I like."

It was not always boom time for the business. At Christmas 1979, Brian had four employees and no work.

He said: "I decided it was time I took a step back from being a blacksmith and started running the business. I had always been determined that the work would be a high standard but I didn't realise the need to promote the business and develop a proper production line and work out what lines we could produce quickly and effectively. "The 1980s were very good for the business and we made a lot of money, but I ploughed it back in to build up the business and it has paid off."

A stunning pair of gates at a house in Solihull earned the company a prestigious 'Top Job' award from the Federation of American Metal Workers.

The award is proudly displayed at the company's showroom and the business is currently making a large gazebo for the same customer.

The company has also produced pieces for the film world and a chandelier for Bianca Jagger.

Rourke's is family firm. Son Peter is general export manager and daughter Margaret sales manager. Nephew Richard Twiddy is a general manager and has been with the company for 25 years.

The business has just taken on six school leavers on four-year apprenticeships.

The company has 82 employees, 30 of whom have been taken on since the move to Accrington Road 14 months ago.

Brian will be 60 next year and people often ask him why he has not yet retired. He says: "I intend to carry on working as long as I can.

"I am not involved in the everyday running of the business but I provide encouragement to the people working here and ensure the quality remains to a high standard."

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