Party like it's 1963 at friction welder Thompson

The Halesowen-based company organised the fun-filled evening at Dudley's Black Country Living Museum to mark the 50th anniversary of its first ever friction weld. Past workers from Thompson's original site in Ettingshall also joined in the celebrations, along with special guest Dr Carl Chinn. The much-loved Brummie and popular historian praised the friction welding machine maker's achievements during a speech at the start of the event. Markus Schmid, group vice-president (technology solutions) at parent company KUKA Systems, presented managing director Peter Lovegrove with a plaque in honour of Thompson's achievement. As well as exploring the many exhibits on show at the museum, party-goers were treated to a traditional fish-and-chip supper. The company also held a raffle, which raised £1,640 for the Alzheimer's Society. "It was a very special evening, which not only brought together past and present staff, friends and family, but also customers from around the world including China and Japan," said sales director Nick Edge.