A DEWSBURY firm has put the emphasis on its employees.

Rixonway Kitchens has recognised a number of long-standing personnel – and pledged to maintain its “winning formula” for retaining its staff.

The commitment to its staff comes against a background of UK unemployment at a near 17-year high and job security under attack at companies across all sectors.

By contrast, the social kitchen manufacturer has several employees who have notched up many decades with the firm.

Bob Matcham, 65, and 62-year-old Allan Battye have worked for the firm for more than 30 years and have no intention of retiring.

Another employee, Russell Townend, 44, started sweeping the floors as a 16-year-old in 1984 and is now manufacturing manager.

Rixonway has seen many changes throughout the years. Commenting on his first impressions when he joined, Mr Matcham said: “The factory was, cold, dirty and dark in places. It always flooded when it rained and there were lots of small cramped work spaces on the ground floor of an empty mill that made it hard to work and manoeuvre products around.