FINANCE controller Gary Spearing has received gifts from his boss to mark three decades with a local firm.

Gary, 55, joined sensors experts Balluff Ltd, which is based in Lostock Gralam, on October 8, 1984.

To thank Gary for his loyal service to the organisation managing director John Radford presented him with gifts at an event to mark his 30th anniversary with the company.

Mr Radford said: “It’s an honour to have had Gary on our team for three decades.

“We feel proud as an organisation that we have retained such a valuable member of the team, and hope he’ll be with Balluff for many more years to come.”

Gary said: “I’ve really enjoyed working for Balluff all these years. A lot has changed, but I feel as happy here today as I did the day I joined Multiswitch, which was bought by Balluff in 1997, when there were no more than 10 staff.

“Balluff is a family-run organisation, and while it is successful globally the business has retained its family values and the support from head office in Germany has been tremendous over the years.

“Katrin Stegmaire-Hermle, one of the owners, took the time to send a personal email to congratulate and thank me on the day. It’s nice to know we’re appreciated.”

Balluff, founded in 1921, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of components for sensors and system solutions, and its UK division is based at Lostock Gralam.