A BUSINESS which has been at the heart of Chepstow for more than 60 years unveiled its £9 million factory this week.

Osborn, previously called Dendix after its founder Dennis Dixon, began in 1945 as a small family-run firm making sweeping brushes.

Based on Lower Church Street, it has expanded its customer base, manufacturing specialist brushes for use in the steel, medical, automotive and aerospace industries and dry ski slopes, creating the facilities at Pontypool Ski Centre. In the mid- 1990s, its potential was spotted by Osborn-Unipol, who bought the business.

It now has an annual turnover of around £8million.

Ashley Wood, UK Sales and Marketing Manager, said the firm has been looking for a suitable site to move to in Chepstow for some time, so it could retain its 45-strong specialist workforce.

Their old site was sold to Wynndel Property Management, creators of the Severn Quay development.

Production began at the new 72,000 square foot site on Newhouse Farm Industrial Estate in August, with the finishing touches put to it in the weeks leading up to MP David Davies officially opening it on Monday.

The move has also meant Osborn has been able to invest in its workforce, with many temporary staff becoming permanent.

Over the next year, around ten new members of staff will be taken on, according to Mr Wood.

“Even through the move we have managed to maintain sales. We certainly have a solid future in Chepstow,” he added.