PDS celebrates 20 years in business

Posted by on 27 Mar 2023

Photo © Apprentice Charlotte Larkin, MD Tim Fairley and Apprentice Luca Tavernese

Twenty years ago in 2003 Tim Fairley co-founded PDS in Littlleborough near Rochdale.

Two decades later and PDS – which stands for Performance Doorset Solutions – has become one of the UK’s most trusted manufacturers of fire doors.

Today PDS employs 125 staff, is approaching £13m turnover and is working with some of the country’s leading names in construction, house building, social landlords and local authorities.

A lot may have changed since 2003 but one thing that hasn’t is the role of Rochdale in the company’s continued success.

Fairley said: “It’s fitting that 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of PDS and the 30th anniversary of the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA).

“Rochdale has been an integral part of our story. Around 90 per cent of our staff come from the borough and there’s a really supportive business community to tap into.

PDS is a specialist in the manufacture of FD30 and FD60 security fire doors, with the number indicating the minimum minutes of protection the doors must offer against fires.

The company has enjoyed a rollercoaster ride since being launched in 2003.
The company had grown to a turnover of £13.5m and a workforce of 148 people when it was acquired by US-based door manufacturer Masonite International Corporation in 2015.

However, three years later, turnover had dropped to £7m and the workforce to 60 when Masonite announced it was considering closing the Littleborough facility altogether.

Rather than see it close Fairley stepped in and formed a 14-strong consortium to buy the business back in March 2019 and set about transforming its fortunes.

Fairley, who is born and bred in Rochdale, said: “PDS is a major employer in Littleborough and I couldn’t stand by and do nothing, so with the help of my former colleagues, we saved the business from closure.

“With the support of the RDA, we’ve invested heavily in people and technology and now have the biggest order book we’ve ever had.

“Rochdale has a strong manufacturing and engineering heritage, while the opening of Kingsway has made it a logistics hub.”

Fairley, who also runs a wine import business, said PDS has become a victim of its own success.

“Our biggest challenge is recruitment,” said. “We have big ambitions to grow. We also have an ambition to pass the business on to our employees at some time in the future.

“It’s an exciting time at PDS and an exciting time for Rochdale. I genuinely believe the best is yet to come.”