A FAMILY has paid tribute to ‘a great engineer’ who has left a lasting legacy at a world-acclaimed Knutsford business.

Anthony Penn, chairman of Packaging Automation died peacefully with his family at his side, after a short illness.

In 1968, he joined the family business founded by his dad, Arthur in 1963.

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The company on Parkgate Industrial Estate has 60 years of tray sealing expertise and machines installed in fresh produce packing facilities worldwide.

British manufacturer Packaging Automation is a name that is recognised by leading food companies in countries across the globe.

The eldest of four siblings, Anthony became managing director in 1990 and then stepped into the role of chairman eight years later.

He continued to play an active role in the business right up until days before he died, paying regular visits to the factory and taking the time to chat to colleagues.

A spokesman for the family said: “Anthony’s legacy will live on.

“He was a great engineer, becoming a chartered engineer at the age of 25.

“An innovator, he was passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to future generations.

“Through the apprenticeship scheme which Anthony established in the 1980s, the business has trained more than 100 engineers.

“He was a great man who will be sadly missed.”