Yamazaki Mazak takes staff to Drayton Manor for 35th anniversary

Yamazaki Mazak arranged the celebration for more than 750 guests - staff and their families - who were given complimentary use of the theme park as well as a private lunch, while younger visitors had the chance to meet Drayton Manor’s own Rory the Lion.

The event, which took place on August 21, was the first time colleagues and their loved ones could get together in three years after similar planned celebrations were wrecked by Covid.

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The Family Fun Day also marked 35 years since the manufacturer first opened the doors of its European Manufacturing Plant in Worcester, in 1987.

In that time, the site has produced over 30,000 machine tools, many of which have been installed throughout the UK and Europe.

Richard Smith, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: "We are a family business founded by the Yamazaki family and our core principle is to take care of both our customers and our employees.

"This objective has remained the same for more than a century and this philosophy, at the heart of our operations, has helped the company develop into the world leader in the manufacture of CNC machine tools.

"Many of those who attended the family fun day have dedicated large parts of their careers to Mazak.

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"Ultimately, we would not be in a position to be celebrating 35 years of UK manufacturing without the hard work, commitment and energy our employees bring to work every day.

"It was a very special day, and I was delighted to be able to share it with everyone who attended."

In July, Mazak reaffirmed its commitment to the city as it welcomed in apprentices from across Worcester for National Manufacturing Day.

Mazak has been at its Worcester home since 1987 and employs more than 600 people.

The company, along with neighbouring Worcester Bosch, is one of the largest employers in the city.