A KEIGHLEY company said a fond farewell to an employee who had worked there for nearly 50 years.

Michael Emmott started at Keighley Laboratories in 1969 when he was employed as trainee inspector within the Heat Treatment division.

He also worked for a time in the machine shop and in technical services.

Keighley Laboratories supported his training, as he progressed to gain qualifications in engineering, maths and computing.

Mr Emmott worked for 10 years as the nightshift supervisor in heat treatment, but a back injury led to a move over to the planning team where his responsibilities included providing quotes for customers.

He later moved to sales and business development, becoming heat treatment commercial director in 2013.

He said he considered his biggest achievement to be winning a big overseas contract, which required Keighley Labs to expand and instal three additional furnaces.

Following a leaving lunch with directors, Mr Emmott said he would miss his colleagues, along with the travelling and opportunities to meet people his job had involved.

He added that he would also miss the challenges brought by the cut and thrust of business.

The firm’s spokesman said: “We wish Michael a happy and healthy retirement. His humour and knowledge will be missed by many of his colleagues and customers.”