STAFF at one of a town’s biggest employers are celebrating a landmark anniversary - with the help of a canine friend.

Current workers joined former employees at AkzoNobel’s decorative paints factory – formerly ICI Paints - to mark 40 years of paint manufacturing last week.

One VIP guest also came along to join in the fun - the world-famous Dulux dog.

Wayne Stretch, one of the management team of the factory, said: “This is a joyful occasion on which to revisit Stowmarket. The factory continues to be at the forefront of our manufacturing business, built around a strong heritage of testing and trialling paint production in ever more innovative and efficient ways.

“The event reflected the pride of our employees as well as the growth of our business. It certainly hasn’t stood still since I was manager here, the site continues to change and I am sure will go from strength to strength over the next 40 years.”

Eighty-five employees at the factory attended the anniversary of what was a significant step in manufacturing, and technology.

In 1972 a major investment was made at Stowmarket which saw the development of the “Premier Whites Plant” (PWP), designed to make large volume water based white paint, plus light colours and base paint for tinting purposes.

David Ruffley, MP for Bury St Edmunds said: “This celebration reminds us of a great industry that has been an important part of the local Mid Suffolk economy for decades. It is important that the celebrations honour the men and women who have made such a great contribution.”

Earlier this year, the Stowmarket team conducted a UK-wide search to find past employees who may have lost touch since retiring or moving on from the company.

The day included an exhibition of past and present images of the site, as well as factory tours for those who want to revisit, and see what has changed.