Up, Up and Away!

Franke Sissons, based in Chesterfield, has this year celebrated its 225th anniversary in style! The company hosted a special event both for customers and staff to mark this landmark in its history, which included a magnificent charity balloon release and the official unveiling of two anniversary plaques. VIP guests included local MP Cllr Paul Holmes, the Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Mr Kitch, Franke chairman Thomas Urb and the chief executive and owner of Franke, Mr Michael Pieper.

Customers were given the chance to tour the state-of-the-art factory, which was re-built and benefited from huge investment after a devastating fire in 2006 and more recently, the company has added conference and showroom facilities, which were also on display. Special guests at the event included local race team RSR Racing, which Franke has sponsored this season and the company’s longest serving member of staff Granville Lowe, who helped train the current managing director Andy Dukelow when he was just 17! Granville is still employed with the company and is currently celebrating his 49th year of service!

Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of Franke Sissons, said: “This is a hugely exciting year for us and the anniversary event marked this perfectly. We were delighted that so many customers and special guests could join us to celebrate. The balloon release was a great success and raised a fantastic total of £216 which we will be donating to Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield. “

Andy Dukelow continued: “Not many companies can claim to have been established for a 100 years never mind such a huge milestone as 225 years, we have survived many challenging times, but we are still at the forefront of the market and with a more diverse and innovative product range than ever. Our success is due completely to the dedicated and hard working staff we have here in Chesterfield, so here’s to another 225 years!”