A Wolverhampton business says it is looking to keep investing despite the economic downturn.

Arthur Hough and Sons, of Hilton Cross Business Parkin Featherstone, has remained a family business since its inception in 1881, with joint owners Richard Evans and Brian Appleby tracing family lines back to Arthur Hough himself.

The firm recently moved to new premises, helped by advice from Midland accountants and business advisers Horwath Clark Whitehill.

Arthur Hough, which supplies into the lock industry and the building sector, has 41 employees and was once heavily dependent on the Willenhall lock industry, now massively diminished as larger organisations switch work overseas. Key blanks are still an important part of the business, equating to 30 per cent of its turnover, but Arthur Hough has expanded the pressings side of its business and remains a leading manufacturer of accessories for suspended ceilings

Mr Evans said: “It is still our view that manufacturing is our future. Our ability to produce niche products together with our flexibility is why we are able to be competitive with the Far East and pull in new business.”