This includes six people who have been with Williams for 20 years, four for 30 years and three people who have reached 40 years at the company. A special lunch was held for all employees and there was a presentation of gift awards for the long-standing employees.

Tim Smith, managing director of Williams Refrigeration, said: “It’s always a great pleasure to celebrate the long service commitment of our colleagues. Our colleagues are Williams' most valuable asset. I feel very privileged that so many colleagues choose to make lasting careers with Williams. 

“Their collective knowledge, skills and experience is second to none in our industry and is the essence of Williams quality and performance. It is also a truly remarkable year, as we mark another milestone with 30 employees who have each completed over 30 years of service with us.   

“Their combined loyal service actually works out at a total of 1,066 years, a highly appropriate number as Williams continues to conquer the market, delivering new and innovative solutions for the refrigeration needs of a wide variety of industries.”

Staff recognised for their service included:

• 40 years – Mark Rippon, Keith Panks and Domonic Mace
• 30 years – Lee Parkin, Carl Muffett, Angela Mowles and Gerald Armsby
• 20 years – Neville Gathercole, Philip Bide, Laura Fox, Yvonne Gathercole, Lance Hewitt and Christopher Munnelly