THANKING employees for their contribution was at the centre of 150th anniversary celebrations at a Bradford-based engineering company.

Air management specialist Mansfield Pollard, which supplies energy efficient ventilation systems to a global client base, marked the sesquicentennial anniversary with a party for its 160 staff and their families.

Managing director Joanna Robinson, who was named Woman in Business at the 2016 Bradford Means Business awards, said: “The 150 year anniversary marks an important milestone for the company as we look back on our incredible heritage of talent and accomplishments. Very few businesses have been around for as long as we have, so it’s a remarkable achievement.

“We are so proud of where we came from, and what we have become. Our employees have been instrumental in our success so it was paramount that we shared and celebrated the birthday with them.

“We will continue to invest in new generations of talented staff through mentoring and education as we continue to design and manufacture the best in class air management solutions for our clients.”

The company was founded in 1866 by John Mansfield as a sheet metal business serving Bradford’s wool mills.

It has developed into an award-winning specialist developing innovative bespoke industrial air management and acoustic control solutions to a wide range of UK and international customers in sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceutical production, leisure, retail and education.

Joanna is on the board of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and works with other business leaders on its panels overseeing work on skills, business support, innovation and the resource efficiency agenda

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said “The Council’s relationship with Mansfield Pollard began approximately 50 years ago when the company repaired and restored the iconic Griffin at the top of Bradford City Hall.

“Fast forward 50 years and Mansfield Pollard is shaping up to be one of the best employers in Bradford, where new skills and innovation ignite passion amongst its team. They are a forward thinking company, and we appreciate all the support and involvement that they give to make Bradford a great place to live and work.”

The anniversary was attended by more than 250 people and featured a Gordon Ramsey lookalike and a range of entertainment - including Joanna and other senior executives being pelted with wet sponges while sitting in stocks - and raised more than £1,400 for the children’s charity Make a Wish Foundation which supports seriously ill children.