Phone firm dials-up growth with mill purchase

A Nelson-based company that makes specialist telephones has expanded – and breathed new life into a historic Lancashire mill in the process.

DAC Limited – which makes vandal-proof and weatherproof phones for use on the railway, police stations, ships, tunnels, and other remote locations – has purchased Union Mill in Sabden.

The company has outgrown its current base on Lomeshaye Industrial Estate and is hoping to be in its new building by early spring once refurbishment is complete.

The new premises will allow it to increase production of its phones which it exports across the world to countries including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and Chile.

Nicola Beneduce with Steven Dade (left) and Andrew Faulkner

Andrew Faulkner, director of DAC, said: “We’re investing a significant sum of money in the building to create a new production area, improve the office space and upgrade the infrastructure, such as the electrics.

“The move gives us a larger and nicer environment in which to expand our operations. There are seven of us in the business and we’re hoping to take on two more staff to meet new business growth.

“The additional space means we are also going to be leasing parts of the building, so we can make it a real hub for small businesses in the area. After renting for 10 years, it’s nice to actually own the building – it gives us great flexibility as a business.”

The commercial property team at Harrison Drury solicitors, based in Clitheroe, advised DAC on its purchase of the former cotton mill which had been used by Pendle Antiques for the last 30 years.

Nicola Beneduce, property lawyer at Harrison Drury, said: “This is an iconic building in Sabden and its great to see it beginning another exciting chapter in its history. The new premises put the business in control and will allow it to reach its potential for further growth.”

DAC Limited was formed in 2006 when Andrew and business partner Steven Dade acquired the commercial telephone activity of RACAL Acoustics Limited.

Since then the business has grown year-on-year supplying reliable, high-quality communication equipment. Its clients include major companies in the rail sector, including Network Rail, Bombardier, TFL-London Underground and Virgin Trains.

Through its distribution network, the company’s products are also supplied to police forces at home and abroad, and used by tunnel operators, shipping companies, and caravan park operators.