AN ANDOVER family-run business marked a milestone anniversary by buying its own premises.

Portafix Limited has come a long way since it was founded 25 years ago by Adrian Emerson, when it operated in the garage of his garden in Tadley.

Now, the company employs 40 members of staff and runs from its own unit on the East Portway Industrial Estate in Andover, which it acquired last year, and is now run by Andy Emerson, Adrian’s son.

The fixtures and fittings business made some big changes during its anniversary year, launching into a brand-new sector supplying aerospace products and opening a new trade counter, available to both the trade and public.

Tammy Hillman, business operations and HR manager for Portafix, said: “It started as a family business from a garage and then it came into Andover from Basingstoke in rented properties then last year, we bought our own premises and renovated it. So, the 25th year was quite a big one for us.”

Tammy said the company’s philosophy is focused on its customers, explaining: “We will get whatever the customer wants. We like to be flexible.”

She said the supply chain solution business offers an individual service to customers, ensuring that stock levels meet customer requirements and sourcing new product ranges.

“We take away a business’s need for a purchasing department, we take all that on” she explained.

Tammy said the company is gaining interest from customers further afield, with enquiries coming from areas including Birmingham.

Staff enjoyed a celebratory event to mark the 25th anniversary, when founder Adrian Emerson came along to mark the occasion.