LISTER Shearing Equipment is aiming to establish itself as one of the world's leading manufacturers of sheep-shearing and animal-clipping equipment.

The long-established Dursley-based company is looking to benefit from the market knowledge of its majority shareholder, the Wahl Clipper Corporation.

Wahl bought into Lister Shearing in June, 2002, to gain access to the whole animal-clipping market. It has been a move that has benefited both parties.

Managing director of Lister Shearing Alun Williams said: "The recent purchase of the company by Wahl has taken the development of Lister Shearing to the next stage.

"The Wahl Clipper Corporation is a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of clippers and their knowledge and expertise is a great asset to Lister Shearing.

"Wahl already manufactured human hair clippers and small animal-clippers so acquiring Lister Shearing has given them access to the whole shearing and clipping market."

The original Lister company has been based in Dursley since 1867, with only a short period spent away after the great fire of 1983.

In 1965 the company became part of Hawker-Siddeley Group Ltd and in 1991 Hawker-Siddeley was purchased by BTR.

A management buy-out by Lister Petter took place in 1996. Then Lister Shearing bought itself out from Lister Petter two years later.

Sheep-shearing equipment was first manufactured by Lister in 1907. The company now sells to a worldwide market including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and, of course, the UK.

At present (October, 2003) Lister Shearing employs 42 people in the design, manufacture and marketing of a complete range of sheep-shearing equipment and horse and cattle clippers.

The company manufactures three different kinds of sheep-shearing machines and a further three hand-held varieties. It also produces numerous different combs and cutters to go with the machinery.

Six different kinds of animal-clippers are also in production, again with an assortment of blades to accompany them.

Mr Williams is confident that there is a bright future in store for Lister Shearing as the firm makes the most of the association with Wahl.

He said: "We are now looking to expand the business into several new markets in conjunction with Wahl."

He also said that the company was keen to develop new and updated products, using the latest advances in the field.

"A program of cultural, technical and marketing innovations and changes is being introduced which will put Lister Shearing in a strong position for the future," explained Mr Williams.

Next year Lister Shearing will relocate within the former Lister Petter site, now owned by the South-West Regional Development Agency, to allow for the demolition of its current premises, which will make way for the 92-acre development unveiled by St Modwen Properties last week.

Mr Williams emphasised that the company was in Dursley to stay.

He said: "Lister Shearing is an old established company with a young but experienced management team and a dedicated local workforce. The company's history in Dursley is very important to us."

Pictured: Packing shearers to be sent to Australia are Peter Mould and Marlene Parry GSR870H03