NIS, based in the Common Bank Industrial Estate in Ackhurst Road, remains at the forefront of its industry a quarter of a century after it began trading.

Employing more than 150 people, NIS names BAE, Kellogg's, Sony, MoD and Proctor and Gamble as its customers and far from looking back, the company is moving forward with its sights firmly set on increasing its market share in the future.

Speaking of the firm's 25th anniversary, acting managing director, Richard Penrose, said: "The whole company is very proud of what NIS has achieved and the very fact that we are still successful in such a competitive market shows that we must have a product that is in demand.

"We like to think that we are at the forefront of the industry, even today when there is far more competition from across the world."

The engineering company specialises in designing and manufacturing specialist plant and integrated engineering, including developing waste retrieval machines and tools for the nuclear industry.

Mr Penrose added: "Nothing is ever too big or too small for NIS and as well as specialising in machinery and tools for the nuclear industry we develop one of a kind and special purpose baking ovens.

"We are also working towards developing automatic robot equipment alongside improving our existing service."

The NIS Group also has two other factories in Chorley, including NSG Environmental Ltd, in Matrix Park, which was opened by MP Lindsey Hoyle in June 2007.

The staff at NIS will celebrate the firm's 25th anniversary together with their partners at Shaw Hill Golf and Country Club in May.

Mr Penrose said: "We have a dedicated team and a lot of the employees have been here for a long time."