Sykes, who becomes works director (MD designate) has been with 5 Star since 1991 when the company acquired Pro-Tect Cases, the Ipswich-based manufacturer which he ran for six years. "The growth of the company over the last few years has seen 5 Star become a leading name in the case industry. It's down to a professional approach and hard work from everybody in the company," explains Sykes. Justin Locks, the current production manager is promoted to general manager, overseeing both the production and administration facilities. Locks has progressed through the company since joining 5 Star in 1997.
Much of 5 Star's growth has been seen in the last three years. Summer 2000 saw the purchase of new premises at the present Wisbech site, with over 26,000sq.ft of space. This was extended this year by the installation of a 1,500sq.ft mezzanine floor to boost the storage area. Earlier this year, 5 Star acquired Mossman Trunks and Custom Case Foams from Hertfordshire-based Custom Cases Ltd. "These two brands fitted nicely into the existing 5 Star product range," says Keith Sykes. "The Mossman Trunks brand is a different manufacturing process from our normal flightcase products, but the production team were up and running with the brand in a quicker time than we had expected!"
Jim Willis continues to support the management team in various areas of the company, but will concentrate on export sales, as well as generating business in new sectors. Additional changes are to be made in the sales division at the company, although at present these have not been finalized.
(Lee Baldock)
