A THIRD generation family-run Redditch business has added another member to its ranks.

business at MST's Redditch depot.

Paul Waite, 37, has joined his father, Brian Waite who is depot manager for Midland Steel Traders (better known as MST) at their Redditch depot. With 17 years of previous sales experience, Paul is now being trained to become the new depot manager.

The company was founded in 1971 by Ken Whitehall, a self-made entrepreneur who took his first job at a steel company at the age of 14. At 42 he left his position as MD at Raine & Co. to form Midland Steel Traders, along with his son Paul and son-in-law, David Hunt.

Paul Whitehall, now heads MST at their headquarters in Birtley. Like his father before him, Paul has both his son and son-in-law to support him in the business.

Rory Whitehall, 25, is a trainee sales and marketing manager and Alex Roberts, 30, is commercial manager and is married to Paul's daughter, Paula.

Mr Whitehall senior is very pleased with the achievements of the Redditch depot, which was opened in 2002.

"We have invested close to £500,000 pounds in equipment such as Berco track presses, hydraulic torque equipment and a sixteen-tonne lorry with an eight tonne crane", said Paul.

"This investment has paid off. Redditch now has a turnover of £2 million. We have a great team there and they are offering an excellent service to our customers in the Midlands and south of England.

"When Paul Waite takes over the day-to-day operation of the Redditch depot, this will enable Brian to drive our business in the Midlands and South of England even further forward."

MST reconditions machine parts from tracks to rollers and sells parts for industries ranging from mining to forestry.

It also manufactures an extensive range of cutting edges, dozer blades, wear blades and hi spec buckets.