A BLACK Country business has become one of the first of its kind to achieve a new quality standard for the steel industry.

Fresh EU rules require manufacturers of structural steelwork to show they conform to strict legislation as part of plans to harmonise the safety performance of construction products.

Arford Steel Profiles, of Kingswinford, has clinched the BSEN1090-1 accreditation. Owner and managing director Diane Kimberley described the achievement as "a clear demonstration of the Kingswinford company’s good working practices and commitment to customers".

She said: “This is much more than an official document confirming products and processes at Arford Steel Profiles comply to industry standards.

“It means customers now have independent assurance that our products and services meet their own obligations under new rules for the EU construction market."

She added: “Every firm producing steel profiles will need to have BSEN1090-1 and some of our customers are already insisting on it.

“It applies to all manufacturers and covers all products and processes, so it’s essential that we have it and it’s a bonus to have secured it already."

She went on: “The majority of these EU regulations are already standard practice here but at least now it’s official.”

Arford had a separate quality standard relating to management systems, the ISO9001, renewed for a fifth time earlier this year.

It followed a six-month period which prompted the company to adjust its aspirations for the future.

The arrival of a £300,000 plasma cutting machine sparked fresh levels of trade and Ms Kimberley now has plans to double the size of the business in three years.

“Our figures have been strong since the autumn and we’re really optimistic about the future,” she said.

“New machinery has given us a perfect platform for sustained growth and now we’re in a strong position to move forward.”

Arford Steel Profiles has been established for more than 20 years. In 2006, it was taken over by former commercial director Ms Kimberley, who has been in the steel industry all of her working life.

The company now has a consistent turnover of around £2.5 million.