Franke Sissons Ltd, based on the Sheepbridge Industrial Estate in Chesterfield, celebrated its 225th anniversary in May 2009.

The company hosted a number of events both for customers and staff to mark this landmark event, which included a charity balloon release and an official anniversary ceremony, carried out by the local MP Cllr Paul Holmes, the Lord Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Adrian Kitch and the Chief Executive of the company’s Swiss parent group, Mr Michael Pieper.

Sissons workers in the 1930s.

Customers toured the factory, mostly re-built after a devastating fire in 2006, and saw state of the art technology in a world class manufacturing environment. More recently the company has added conference facilities and a new showroom, which customers and employees can take advantage of for training and sales seminars.

Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of Franke Sissons, said: “This is a hugely exciting and rewarding time for us. I have worked for the company since joining as an apprentice in 1981 and like all businesses there have been some very good times, and times such as today when things are more challenging. What has seen us through over the years is our focus on innovation and excellence in quality manufacturing and close relationships with our customers. This is backed up by a strong culture of teamwork, with all employees working together to achieve a common goal.”

Also prepared for the event were delicate artefacts from Franke Sissons history, including several cutlery items, a large meat dish, a toast rack, a tureen and cover, and several Silver dishes which have all been kindly loaned by Sheffield museums. These items were originally produced by W&G Sissons Ltd when they were located on Eyre Street in Sheffield in 1784 and operated as silversmiths.

Franke Sissons Chesterfield staff at the end of the anniversary year.

During its 225 years, Sissons has changed significantly as a business. Starting out as a manufacturer of silver plated candlesticks, tureens and cutlery to being one of the pioneers of electroplating producing high quality dishes. After the First World War, the company began manufacturing sinks, later lamp reflectors and stub pipes for Lancaster bombers during the Second World War. The company expanded and moved to Calver Mill in Derbyshire in 1973 and then in 1978 bought its current factory location on Carrwood Road in Chesterfield. After becoming part of the Swiss-owned Franke Group in 2002, the company became known as Franke Sissons Ltd and is now the UK’s leading manufacturer of sanitary ware systems and solutions for schools, local authorities, prisons, hotels and the commercial sector. The history continues in stainless steel sinks in being the UK`s leading manufacturer of commercial sinks.