The Harlow Group (www.harlowgroup.co.uk) last month welcomed HRH the Duke of Kent to its 100,000ft² facility when he visited key companies in the town.

Established in 1975, the group is a leading provider of precision sheet metalwork, fabrications and assemblies, with Sony, Pitney Bowes and GE Aviation among its customers.

During his tour of the facility, the Duke of Kent unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit and was introduced to a number of long-serving employees.

Awards were then presented to each member of staff with more than 20 years’ service.

Alan Pearce, managing director, said: “It was an honour for everyone at Harlow Group to welcome the Duke of Kent, to see just how keen he was to find out more about our advanced manufacturing business.

“It was also a privilege for all the directors of the company to have our long-serving staff awards commemorated on such an auspicious occasion.”