FROM humble beginnings in a kitchen sink to a thriving manufacturing firm with customers around the world, a Weymouth company is celebrating half a century in business.

Tecan, based on Weymouth's Granby Industrial Estate, started small as a joint venture between two entrepreneurs.

Fifty years later it now makes micro-precision components that can be found in all kinds of everyday objects from sound-enhancing components in cars, to parts for mobile phone cameras. Some of its products have even been sent into space.

Tecan was started by Paul Cane and John Tetzner, who set out developing a chemical etching process at home in a kitchen sink.

They later set up a manufacturing site in Dorset - the location was chosen as the company had evolved to become a supplier of printed circuit boards used by the former Portland naval fleet.

The business has come a long way and in 2020 is now a globally recognised provider of chemically-etched precision parts - some of which have been to the moon, and the depths of the ocean.

Closer to home, the parts are helping change lives in everyday use, and can be found in medical devices such as nebulisers as well as low carbon vehicles.

Neil Walker, managing director, said: "Our focus on co-development has enabled us to work closely with pioneering companies across all kinds of industries from medical and automotive to industrial automation and food and beverage. As the years have progressed, we have been producing components central to sustainability and renewables.

“Industry has seen many changes over the years and Tecan has evolved accordingly, helping our customers bring innovative products to market. As we enter a new era, we remember where we’ve come from and how much potential the future holds. Happy birthday, Tecan.”

A video photo album commemorating Tecan through the decades is available on YouTube and can be viewed at youtu.be/Ew4-Hm8Yyqc