Signage design and manufacturing company Nordis Signs has celebrated 50 years of providing meaningful employment to local people with disabilities.
The vast majority (85%) of the Northampton-based company's employees are registered disabled or have a long-term health condition, such as hearing or visual impairments, mobility conditions and learning disabilities.
The business, which is part of Kier, celebrated the golden anniversary with its employees at its Lodge Farm Industrial Estate factory, whose car park was transformed to feature a marquee and stage, where a brass band played and tributes were shared by employees and their family members.
It was also highly commended in the Team of the Year Category at last week's Highways Awards.
Sign maker John Gardiner shows handiwork to attendees at the event
Kier said Nordis is thriving - providing design and manufacturing services to a wide range of sectors that include local government, education, health and leisure – and that it adds around £3m of social value to the region every year.
Administrator Nathan Hubbard: ‘I have had such great support since joining Nordis. I've never felt like a burden – or stood out as someone unusual, due to the variety of physical and mental challenges faced by fellow employees.
‘I feel supported and not coddled at Nordis – which has allowed me to build my confidence, gain a more active social life and the ability to travel on my own. These are things I wasn't comfortable with before.'
Lady Susan Masham, who originally opened the factory in 1972, shared a video message and recalled how Nordis was one of the first companies to embrace the disabled community in the area,.
Councillors Graham Lawman and Lora Lawman from North Northamptonshire Council and Phil Larratt of West Northamptonshire Council joined Kier Highways Group managing director Joe Incutti at the celebration.
Cllr Lawman, who is Highways portfolio holder at North Northamptonshire, said: ‘Nordis is a remarkable success story, and I was honoured and delighted to be able to be part of the celebration of 50 glorious years.
‘The work they produce is noticed by every road user and is of the highest quality. We must recognise the investment Kier has input and the social and community commitment it has made – they have been a hidden gem for too long.
'I am really pleased that, through our new highways contract, we are going to be able to support them for at least another seven years.'
General manager John Coombes said: ‘It's great to see colleagues, customers and friends come together to celebrate Nordis - which has a special place in the heart of Kier and the community.'
