Thirty-year-old Gareth Barker joined the firm as a 19-year-old apprentice and moves from general manager to operations director for Forgemasters' south machine shop.

In so doing he takes the title of youngest director from Mark Tomlinson, technical director in the company's melting shop, who was 35 when he became a director.

Gareth, who lives in Wales near the Rother Valley, has responsibility for more than 130 staff and takes on a more strategic role within Forgemasters.

He said: "Although I will still be involved in the day-to-day running of the south machine shop, the real change for me is going to be in looking at the development of Forgemasters as a business and moving away from departmental management."

The aptitude Gareth demonstrated as an apprentice led to him moving into process engineering.

At 25 he became product manager for the company's roll-manufacturing division, eventually becoming general manager for the south machine shop. His recent challenges have included the massive repair and clean-up operation following the June floods which devastated the Brightside Lane site.

Forgemasters chief executive, Graham Honeyman – once a youngest Forgemasters director himself, said: "I am pleased to appoint someone of Gareth's capability. He has proven to be a real asset to the company and he will undoubtedly bring much to the role."