AN award-winning furniture and kitchen manufacturer is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a £200,000 investment.

Treske has spent the money on new showrooms and an extension to its historic Station Road headquarters in Thirsk in response to a rapidly-increasing order book.

The new showrooms feature a flagship fitted kitchen, while the 4,500sq ft extension will store the firm’s wood and house its sawing operation.

The company website has also been upgraded.

Justin Bartlett, owner and managing director, said it represents the biggest investment since the company was founded in 1974.

“It reflects the growing demand for our products from across the United Kingdom and our confidence in the future, which is fuelled by the improving economic climate and the skills and commitment of our staff,” he said.

“The new showrooms – and revamped reception area – will create a much better experience for our customers when they visit, while the extension will enable us to house everything under one roof. Previously we rented space in nearby Topcliffe to store our wood, so this is much more efficient and cost-effective.”

Mr Bartlett said the past five years had been challenging, but believes the economy is improving with people beginning to move house or improve their existing home.

Over the past ten years, the company has gained a reputation as one of the country’s leading manufacturers of ecclesiastical furniture, working with church architects, clergy, congregations and the Historic Churches Conservation Trust to supply church furniture and furnishings.

Clients have included Ripon Cathedral, St George’s Chapel, Windsor, St Martin-in-the- Fields in central London, St Magnus Cathedral, on Orkney, and St Chad’s, in Headingley.

Treske was founded by John Gormley, the brother of sculptor Anthony Gormley.

“The Treske name became synonymous with elegance and class and the company has maintained that reputation over the years,” said Mr Bartlett. “It is now time to make Treske the epitome of a 21st century company, while maintaining our traditional values of service and craftsmanship.”