NO wonder Bury businessman Keith Broome has an extra “spring” in his step.

For his mattress and bed manufacturing company Purr-O-Lux, which began life in the humble surroundings of a Prestwich garage, is now celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The firm commands a 15,000 sq ft home at Bury’s Albion Mill in Albion Street, which not only serves as its manufacturing base, but also embraces a showroom to display the range of beds and mattresses supplied to domestic and commercial clients.

Owner Mr Broome has worked through hard times and good times during the past four decades and prides himself on service as well as his devotion to his employees.

He said: “I established the business in 1974, making mattresses in my home garage in Prestwich, then selling them on Bury Market. We’ve been manufacturing and selling them at the Albion Mill since 1977.”

He learned his trade as an apprentice at the Co-op in Broughton Lane, Salford.

In the early days, Purr-O-Lux primarily sold to retail outlets and small independent retailers. But as its reputation grew, so too did its order books including retailers such as Bensons Bed Centre.

Purr-O-Lux expanded its portfolio by supplying boat hire companies as well as manufacturers of caravans. The company also became especially well-known in the Blackpool hotel trade.

Today, Purr-O-Lux is a family-run business with Mr Broome’s and his wife, Maureen, treating their staff like family.

Mr Broome said: “There have been some very hard times over the years, but we have always stuck together and worked hard to pull through. We wouldn’t have come this far without recommendations. We still work very hard on our service — that’s what gets you remembered.”