Gillard joined the business in 1983 as a press salesman, and effectively managed the southern sales team from 1990, under various roles. Last year he handed over his post to Neil Fletcher to head up the company’s refurbished equipment arm. 

“This role was always seen as a stepping stone to retirement and I have now created the processes that will allow this side of the business to thrive,” said Gillard.

“We have achieved close to £6m in refurbished sales in the last year and I think there is scope for this to increase in future.”

Regional managers Phil Buttress (north) and Neil Fletcher (south) will now service customers looking to buy or sell good condition refurbished presses while Peter Carter will handle the back-office operations.

Gillard has ensured the administration process of buying and selling used presses is smooth and efficient and Heidelberg has also invested in a mobile workshop with a generator as well as facilities in Thurrock for machine repairs and upgrades. There is also now a site for deep cleaning used machines.

“We will continue to be selective in which machines we buy because we provide warranties and our reputation is on the line,” said Gillard, who named former colleagues and Heidelberg directors John Knight and George Clarke as inspirational to his career development.

John Dollin Printing Services director Ian Dollin paid tribute to Gillard: “Derek has always been the perfect gentleman, personable and honest. He has genuinely looked out for us as a customer.”

Bishops Printers managing director Gareth Roberts added: “Derek has been a great asset to Heidelberg and its customers over the years and has always succeeded in balancing and defending the needs of the business whilst trying to satisfy the demands of clients. Bishops, and many other customers I am sure, will miss his advice and attention.”

In retirement, Gillard said he will enjoy more sailing and travelling, including visiting his new grandchild in Australia, as well as working for charity and getting involved in educating school age students about handling money and understanding National Insurance and pensions.

Heidelberg UK managing director Gerard Heanue said: “Derek has given Heidelberg many years of great service and will be missed by myself and my colleagues.

“He is a man of great integrity and has always been respected inside and outside the organisation for his enthusiasm and commitment. His retirement has been well earned.”

Heidelberg UK sales director Jim Todd added: “I'm very sorry to see Derek go, he's been with us some time and is very difficult to replace. He's got huge experience of the industry, and the history of it – if you wanted to write a who's who of print Derek could probably do it.

"I don't think you could ever find a better sales manager in terms of his man management skills and he's one of those guys that you'd take with you into battle - he's bulletproof, trustworthy and dependable.

"He has some incredibly good skills that have helped Heidelberg over the years to get to the level of market share and market penetration that we have.”