Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG), one of the south west’s most successful businesses, has celebrated 50 years in Falmouth with a party for staff and their families.

The milestone was marked at an event at the Princess Pavilion on Friday, August 30.

Simon Nicholson, managing director, said: “It was a very happy occasion indeed. It is so important that we take time to share and celebrate our successes to date with our employees. They are the heart of our business and without their hard work and dedication, our business would not be what it is today.

"We are so pleased that so many of the faces and personalities who been part of our history were able to attend and share in our celebrations with their families, too. We now look forward to our next 50 years!”

A factory tour was also arranged for interested family members.

Around 650 guests attended including employees past and present and their families.

VIP guests included the mayor Steve Eva, mayoress Victoria Eva and Patricia Minson, the deputy mayor.

Attendees enjoyed a truly Cornish event with live music, a Cornish cèilidh, a cream tea and pasties.

Founded nearly 60 years ago, WMFTG, part of Spirax-Sarco plc, is the world leader in niche peristaltic and sinusoidal pumps, and associated fluid path technologies. Employing almost 5,000 staff worldwide in more than 50 countries – including 360 people based in Falmouth - the company has enjoyed significant growth in the last 10 years.

In recognition of its success, Watson-Marlow Limited has been awarded the Queens Awards for Enterprise in the categories of Innovation (2018) and International Trade (2017).