By Chris Hardy

A £2 MILLION-plus double expansion, the first phase of which is about to come on stream, reflects the dramatic success of Brechin window blind makers Stevens (Scotland) Ltd.

For a community that has battled against job losses and economic decline for several decades, the success of Stevens, better known in the Scottish domestic market under the Chris Craft banner, is vital.

The firm moved to it current site at Denburn Way six years ago and since then its workforce has almost doubled to 136, making it the biggest private employer in the town.

“We did expect the site to last us much longer but business has increased dramatically,” said Gordon Stevens, managing director.

“If we expand at the rate we are expecting we will need more space over the next two to three years and 50-60 more staff.”

The company operated from its original Bank Street site from 1968 until 2000 when the long search for a suitable alternative took them to the former storage area at Denburn Way, which they converted.

“We have just about filled that up and have put on an extension which will keep us going about another year,” said Mr Stevens.

“Now we have agreed to buy pieces of land to the rear of our factory from Angus Council and Tayside Fire Brigade on condition we get planning permission for a second extension which would provide us with about a third more floor space.”

Most of Stevens business is supplying other blind companies, particularly in the south east of England. About 12% of the business is through their Chris Craft network of agents in Scotland, which is also being expanded to service the domestic market and contract customers such as councils, schools and hospitals.

“Our success is due to quality and service and that is down to not just the manufacturing processes but also our staff,” said Mr Stevens.

“Without them we don’t get the quality.”

In a national survey of small and medium sized businesses, Stevens was praised for being among those who quietly nestle behind the big operations and provide Scotland’s business backbone.