Elce leaves the Dutch manufacturer after 15 years with the company. He joined Siemens Nixdorf in 1985, which was subsequently taken over by Océ in 1996.

Elce held roles in sales and customer service before becoming an Océ account manager and latterly, business development.

He said: "Huge changes are taking place in the printing industry and traditional production methods are being reviewed.

"There is a technological wind sweeping through relating to colour. Whereas mono used to dominate the marketplace with litho used for large-scale print and digital for personalisation, now they are combined in one."

Delegates from 25 of the UK’s largest print companies and manufacturers turned out for his retirement party, which was held at Midgeley Hotel and Conference Centre in Wakefield.

Craig Nethercott, director of Océ UK’s production printing division, added: "Tom has been a stalwart in the printing industry and a great ambassador for Océ.

"He will be sorely missed, not only for his encyclopaedic knowledge and expertise but also for his great sense of humour and camaraderie."