AN ASHFORD printer, Headley Brothers, has reached a tremendous milestone in its history this year as it celebrates 125 years in print and publishing.

The company has come a long way since it was established in 1881 by brothers Herbert and Burgess Headley in a small room above their father’s grocery store at 46 High Street, Ashford. In those days they printed paper bags, bill heads and circulars for local businesses.

Today, Headley Brothers, which is still owned and run by descendents of the same family, employs 300 people from Ashford and the surrounding area and provides a complete print and fulfilment service at its Queens Road site in the town with sheet-fed, web and digital printing presses, a fully equipped bindery and despatch facilities.

The company was originally known as a magazine and journal printer but today it provides a broader range which also includes subscription management, website design/management as well as printing and distributing everything from magazines, brochures and directories to reports, leaflets and business stationery.

"We are proud to have achieved 125 years in print," said managing director Roger Pitt. "We can not only offer our customers extensive experience but also some of the most up-to-date technology in the world.

"Over the years, the company has not only invested extensively in machinery but also in our staff and systems, leading to several externally audited accreditations including ISO 9001 for our systems and procedures and ISO 14001 for our environmental management system.

"And our commitment to staff training and development has earned us Investors in People status."

To celebrate its red letter birthday, the company is organising a number of events including a party for customers, a selection of days out for staff as a 'thank you’ for all their hard work over the years and a open day where families and friends of staff will be invited to come along and find out more about the history of Headley Brothers and enjoy fun activities, games and entertainment.