Now the company’s technical director, Bellchamber started at Beamglow at just 16 after winning a school competition to design the company’s next logo. 

“I had to come in to collect a certificate, asked if there were any jobs going, and I was in – I came back on Saturday morning to do an interview, and was offered a job,” Bellchamber told Printweek.

Starting on foil blocking and cutting and creasing, Bellchamber worked his way up through the company, moving onto the country’s first Bobst BMA hot foiler and cutter-creasers, before moving into workflow coordination, production management, and finally technical management and a move into the directorate. 

“Wayne’s knowledge and experience in all processes of carton manufacture is unique,” Huw Roberts, Beamglow’s CEO told Printweek.

“His reputation to ‘find a way’ in the technical execution of varying projects is renowned and valued by ourselves and more importantly, our customers.

“Regardless of the challenge, a solution will be found with an open, honest and creative attitude that benefits all parties.

“50 years is an incredible milestone, but have no fear, Wayne is going nowhere yet. He will continue to support and drive Beamglow through many more creative and challenging projects over the next [few] years. Well done Wayne, and thank you.”

Beamglow marked the occasion with a ceremony – albeit one delayed a few months since the 50-year mark in August, as Bellchamber had been at the company for so much longer than his colleagues that none had realised the occasion had come until he let slip – and collection for his long service.

“There are a lot of differences now in the same company,” Bellchamber said, “When I started there were about 30–35 people here: now it’s grown quite a bit and we’re over quite a large site.”

He added that his favourite duty had been helping match Beamglow’s capabilities with customers' wishes. 

“The role I’ve enjoyed most is dealing with all the customers. If they have anything new they want to do, I’ll look at the artwork and work out the best way to produce it, and I still get involved in getting concepts to market.

“It’s a great place to work. I’m 67 now, and I still feel good: it’s five minutes down the road, and I enjoy what I do – I’ll want to do another three or four years, to take me to 70.

“What’s amazing has been how the technology really moves on, I know it’s going to keep moving but in those 50 years it’s like chalk and cheese. In another 50 years, who knows what the machines will be capable of?”