A business in Okehampton celebrated the opening of it's new premises last weekend. Okehampton residents Alan and Jenny Orchard are the owners of Ashridge Engineering Ltd who design and manufacture engineering equipment. The company has been based in Okehampton since 1989. However, it became apparent to the owners in 2006 that they would have to move to larger premises. They have now moved to a unit on the North Road Industrial Estate which became available in 2007 but required extensive renovation. Mr Orchard said: 'We would like to thank Peter Woodgate for the excellent architectural design concept he used for this rather angular shed. 'We are continuing to supply high quality equipment to National Grid, BAE systems, the MOD and Thames Water, with whom we have been dealing with for more than a quarter of a century.' Local tradesmen were used throughout the renovations and the new building was officially opened by founder of the company, Pat Tann and Okehampton mayor Tony Leech. Pictured from left to right are managing director of Ashridge, Alan Orchard; company founder, Pat Tann; Okehampton mayor, Tony Leech; company secretary, Jenny Orchard, and Jackie Tann.
