FURNITURE and kitchen manufacturer Treske is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a £200,000 investment in new showrooms.

The independently-owned Thirskbased business is making its biggest ever investment in expanding its premises in response to a rapidly increasing order book.

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

Justin Bartlett, owner and managing director of Treske, said: “This is the biggest investment in the company since it was formed in 1974.

“It reflects the growing demand for our products and our confidence in the future, which is fuelled by an improving economy and the skills of our committed staff.”

Mr Bartlett said the new showrooms and revamped reception area will create a better customer experience, while the extension will enable everything to be stored under one roof.

Mr Bartlett said: “There’s no denying the past five years have been challenging, as they have for the majority of companies across the country, but the economy is now improving and we are ideally placed to take advantage of that as people begin to either move to new homes or upgrade their existing ones.”

Over the past decade Treske has been growing the business in the church furniture trade.

The business has recently completed a commission to help with the restoration of St Andrew’s Church in Epworth, near Doncaster.

Other clients include Ripon Cathedral, St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney, St Chad’s in Far Headingley, and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.

Mr Bartlett said: “It’s now 40 years since John Gormley, brother of sculptor Anthony Gormley, founded Treske and forged our reputation for making the very highest quality furniture.

“It’s now time to make Treske the epitome of a 21st century company, while maintaining our traditional values of service and craftsmanship.”