A FAMILY run Mistley manufacturing company is celebrating its 50th anniversary of supplying boat owners up and down the country and abroad.  

Sta-Lok Terminals Ltd produces chain, wire rope and marine fittings for vessels. 

Originally developed in 1973 by Ivor Barfield, the company was first introduced to the boating scene with the Sta-Lok Self-Fit Terminal at the 1973 International London Boat Show. 

Terry Barfield, managing director, said: “We believe the key to our ongoing success are the core values of our business – manufacturing products with safety in mind and with reliability and endurance at the heart of everything we do.

"Our products are almost all safety critical, with clients and end users relying on our solutions to not only take them on their journey, but to bring them home safely.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Upgrades - The newly installed robot that speeds up productionUpgrades - The newly installed robot that speeds up production (Image: Sta-Lok)

This iconic creation, that began the organisation's successful streak, has withstood the technological changes of time, as only a few minor alterations made to the product in its 50 years of existence. 

In 2006, the company expanded to the United States with Sta-Lok Inc. and has become a respected and integral part of the American Marine industry. 

Due to continued strong demand for its range of larger yacht fittings, earlier in 2023, Sta-Lok invested in its first fully automated robot.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Celebrate - Sta-Lok workers with Sir Bernard JenkinCelebrate - Sta-Lok workers with Sir Bernard Jenkin (Image: Sta-Lok)

Speaking about the investment, James Barfield, sales director said: “These are plans and investments that we believe will help propel Sta-Lok through the next phase,

"Giving us the ability to deliver an even greater experience to our customers, both in terms of product availability and improved lead times, specifically on our larger product ranges.”

For more information about Sta-Lok Terminals Ltd go to: stalok.com