Stowmarket Factory Celebrates 50 Years of Dulux Paint
There is reason for celebration in Stowmarket this week, as Sunday (22nd May) marked 50 years of Dulux paint production at the iconic paint factory.
The factory, located on Needham Road, has been an integral part of the Dulux family of factories since 1972, and is renowned for producing the majority of the Dulux white and off-white paints, as well nearly all Cuprinol outdoor paints sold in the UK. It is estimated that the site has manufactured nearly 2 billion litres of paint since its opening 50 years ago.
The site is also one of the most automated factories Dulux’s parent company, AkzoNobel, operates; with state-of-the-art laser-guided vehicles used to transport paint round the factory.
The site has employed a whopping 500+ staff during its half a century-long operation and currently employs around 100 Stowmarket locals, with the longest-serving employee – Nigel – having worked at the site for 46 years.
Since the factory opened in 1972, the site has accommodated various paint trends through the years. From tonal decorating (using several shades of one colour to decorate the walls, ceilings and woodwork of homes across the UK) driving its success, to woodchip and anaglypta wallpapering, and the muted colours we decorate our walls with today – one trend has remained the same throughout the years: Dulux being the first choice for UK customers.
To mark the anniversary, Dulux held a family fun day at Stowmarket FC on Sunday, providing an opportunity for current and ex-colleagues and their families to share stories from the site. There was even the chance for guests to get a photo with Dulux’s guest of honour: Madison – the Dulux Old English Sheepdog.
Andrew Dawson, Site Manager at the Stowmarket Factory, said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating this huge milestone with the people that make the factory what it is. There’s such a family feel amongst staff, and it will be great to all get together as a family with colleagues past and present to share great memories and bond over our work.”