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A Stoke-on-Trent printing company is marking its milestone 40th birthday this year.

Tableau Reproduction Limited was founded by Keith Mason – father of the company's current owner, Matthew Mason – back in April 1982.

Originally, the company supported local printers producing artwork and plates for print, and eventually expanded into offering a printing service when the print industry moved to digital.

Since then, the Hanley firm has come a long way its from humble beginnings operating from a terraced house.

Today Tableau, which is based in Lower Bryan Street, operates across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ and Europe, and specialises in all aspects of print and design including promotional print, labels, stationery and corporate brochures as well as marketing material, signage, promotional giftware and workwear.

Owner and managing director Matthew Mason – who took over the business once his late father retired – said: "I always knew what I wanted to do when I left school. The careers officer stopped trying to persuade me to look at other options because I was adamant I wanted to work with my dad at Tableau. As soon as I could become an apprentice that's exactly what I did and I've been here ever since. I absolutely loved working with him and learnt so much.

"My dad worked hard to set up the company, make it successful and adapt and grow over the years. There was never any doubt that I would be working alongside him and that I would take it over once he stepped back.

"Unfortunately, we lost dad just over 10 years ago now, but I know he would be very proud of how well the business is doing and what we have achieved."