SJ Bargh Ltd, a founding member of Palletforce, has celebrated its 75th anniversary.

A haulage firm that started life as a husband-and-wife team transporting milk is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Last month, SJ Bargh Ltd, a founding member of Palletforce, celebrated its anniversary by opening a five-acre operating site in Lancaster.

The Lancashire-based company also showed its commitment to its long association with Palletforce by investing GBP90,000 (USD141,760) in three new vehicles for the UK's leading palletised distribution network.

Michael Conroy, Palletforce's CEO, says SJ Bargh has grown over the past 75 years without losing its commitment to hard work and good service. "Seventy-five years in business is a remarkable achievement for any firm and reaching this milestone is testament to the dedication and professionalism at SJ Bargh."

SJ Bargh managing director Stuart Cornthwaite says the secret to the company's success and longevity is "hard work and dedication".

Cornthwaite joined the company 41 years ago as a fitter before moving on to become a driver, and 16 years ago he took over the helm as managing director.

"Our ethics in terms of business and staff are right and we've had a lot of loyal staff work for us for a long time. We're also fortunate to work in an industry with constant demand. The milk industry has given us continuous demand - but you've got to be prepared to work 24/7, 365 days a year," he says.

SJ Bargh has grown to become the leading milk haulier in the north west of England and has added general haulage and warehousing to its services.

Founders Sam and Jessie Bargh started delivering milk from farmers to dairies from their home in Claughton in 1935.