The boss of a Lanarkshire concrete mixing company is following in her father's footsteps in a poignant return to business to create local jobs.
Lorna McFarlane can remember visiting late dad William McPhee's factory in Blantyre as a child before eventually taking over the family business when he retired.
Together with husband Brinsley, Lorna sold the company three years ago and took a break from the industry.
However, she has now called on her vast experience to start her own firm Blantyre Fabrications Ltd and is already looking to quadruple the size of her team.
Over the coming months, staff will increase from 11 to 40 at the site in Blantyre's John Street - a huge boost for jobs in the area.
The company has just completed its first new concrete mixer, and for business chief Lorna, it’s been a fitting way to remember dad William by creating more employment opportunities in Lanarkshire.
The 52-year-old told Lanarkshire Live that the mixing business is “in my DNA”.
Lorna added: “I can remember being a five-year-old and visiting my dad’s factory. Over the years I’ve amassed so much experience in and insight about the concrete mixer world. It’s great being back doing what I love.
“We’ve hit the road running and already we’ve just completed our first new mixer for a client. As news is spreading that I’m back at the helm of the business the enquiries are coming in thick and fast. It’s such a good feeling. It all signals a positive outlook for the current workforce.”
The company is set to begin recruiting additional fabricators, welders, fitters, painters and admin staff required to help deliver a projected increase in orders.
Lorna continued: “I’m absolutely delighted with how business is developing – we feel it’s reflective of a general improved feel-good factor within the building industry with many more new projects undertaken as we emerge post lockdown.
"That means more concrete is needed and our customers are looking to replace or increase their fleet sizes. They’re also coming to us for accessories and repair works. We have a highly skilled team, many of whom I’ve worked with for years.
“The response from within the business sector has been very positive too.
“We have a strong, committed and focused workforce that’s supporting us in meeting demand.
"It’s a great feeling seeing our eight-bay plant back in action – and providing jobs in the manufacturing and engineering sectors for Lanarkshire.”
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