Welding and fabrication specialist Ace Arc is celebrating 21 years of growth. Welder Frank Fairbrother and his wife, Christine, set up the Coalville-based company in 1985 after Mr Fairbrother's former employer relocated to Wales. The company now employs 35 people and supplies products and services to quarries, mines and engineering businesses across the world.

Ace Arc got its first customer when Mr Fairbrother took on one of his former employer's local contracts, Redland Aggregates, now owned by Lafarge.

Today, the company still works for its first ever customer as well as others all over the world.

Trevor Warren, operations manager at Lafarge's Mountsorrel quarry, says: 'We have never faulted Ace Arc's service nor doubted their commitment to us.

Over 21 years, the customer's supplier connection has developed into a really close working relationship.

We wish them a very happy 21st birthday and continued success for the future.' Frank Fairbrother, managing director of Ace Arc, says: 'The past 21 years have been challenging, but have given us the opportunity to work with some amazing people on contracts all over the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and clients, past and present who have helped us reach this significant landmark.'