Security gate manufacturer Newgate Ltd, based on Brunel Drive, Newark, celebrating 40 years since it was founded in 1984

A firm with a family feel and a history of loyal employees is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Newgate Ltd, based on Brunel Drive, Newark, is one of the UKs leading manufacturers in security gate construction and innovation, servicing everything from supermarkets and schools, to power stations and ports across the country, including Heathrow Airport.

This week they will be celebrating 40 years since founders Kevin Smith and Alan Osgerby came together to start the company in 1984, after they were both made redundant.

Since those early days with just six members of staff, the company has grown to become a near £10m per annum business.

Across three sites they now employ a team of over 80 highly-skilled individuals, hand building everything in their workshops, from small swing arm barriers, all the way up to huge 10 metre security gates, with engineers stationed everywhere from Scotland, all the way down to Southampton.

After four decades in the industry they remain true to their roots, with founder Alan Osgerby, saying: “We took a gamble and set up shop on our own, and 40 years later we’re still here which is quite an achievement.

“But I’ve got to say, if you haven’t got good employees, you haven’t got a business.

“We have a lot of long serving people here who have stuck with us through the ups and downs, and put in the hard work even when times were tough.

“On the other end, the young apprentices are a credit and without a doubt could go and get a job anywhere, which is something we’re really proud of.

“They all deserve a pat on the back, past and present, because without them we’re nothing.”

The future looks bright for the firm, which is finding ways to incorporate green energy into its projects going forward, and after years of work has secured a contract with Network Rail for an innovative new type of level crossing barrier.

Chief operating officer, Dave Truman, who has been with the company for the last 12 years, said: “We design, manufacture, service and maintain all sorts; traffic barriers, security gates, rising bollards, turnstiles, you name it.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in my time, we were very paper heavy when I started, you could say we were a bit old school, but since then we’ve brought in better processes and improved training.

“We have people that have been with us for over 20 years — some started as school leavers and are now site managers.

“So even though we continue to make improvements, it’s still got that family feel as a business, and we’re looking forward to celebrating.”