A marine tech business which has been operating for 50 years was visited by Princess Anne today.
Totnes-based Valeport is a world leading technology company creating precision underwater measuring equipment.
They work with a range of companies including the government and energy firms, who purcahse the underwater instruments which can measure statistics such as current, ocean temperature or PH levels.
The business started up in 1969, with the Quartley family taking it on in 1985.
Dad Charles moved the business down to Devon and it's been growing ever since, with son Matt Quartley taking over in 1995.
The marine tech specialists now employ more than 90 people and this year they'll move part of the business to the other side of the River Dart into the old LiveWest building.
During the visit to Valeport’s state-of-the-art riverside premises, The Princess Royal was welcomed by MD Matt, who accompanied Her Royal Highness for a tour of the factory.
The Princess Royal spent time chatting to Valeport staff in the Machine Shop and Assembly Area and even tried out the laser engraving machine, which had been set up to engrave the Royal Crest onto a gift which was later presented to The Princess Royal.
Most Read
Following the tour of the manufacturing facilities The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque to commemorate Her Royal Highness’ visit to Valeport and cut a celebratory 50 th anniversary cake at a special reception also attended by local dignitaries.
Commenting on The Princess Royal’s visit to the business, Matt said: “We are delighted to have welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Valeport to mark our 50th anniversary. This was a very special day for us. I am so proud of everything we have achieved in the last five decades and today is a celebration of the passion and commitment of our people, who are the heart of our business.
“It was fantastic to host The Princess Royal and showcase the innovative work we are doing here in Totnes for a worldwide customer base.
"And it’s important to me to recognise and thank all of our colleagues, both past and present, for their contribution and dedication which has bought us to this point - I’m pleased to say after fifty years Valeport is still a strong, dynamic and growing business, and we look forward to the next fifty years.”
Today, the independent business designs and manufacturers precision sensors and probes to deliver high accuracy data, exports 80% of its Devon-made innovative technology to to a worldwide customer base that includes the environmental, energy, construction, dredging, civil engineering, scientific research and military sectors.