The Lathrop plant in California has celebrated its Golden Anniversary

Around 300 current and retired employees and family members marked the occasion at an Open House event which included a barbecue, prizes and plant tours.

Founded by Libbey-Owens-Ford as an automotive plant on June 4, 1962, the float furnace was added two years later and some of its original equipment is still in operation. One of its original operators is also still at work at the site - team leader Dennis Long, who was leading plant tours on the Open House day, is the longest-serving employee at the plant, having joined when the furnace was installed in 1964.

"I had somebody tell me that they were hiring so I just showed up here looking for work – I’ve been here ever since," said Dennis.

"It’s changed a lot – we’ve made an awful lot of products over the years - but the people that I’ve worked with are great. I really hope this place stays around for another 50 years."