Glaxo electrical construction supervisor Tommy Dawson completed 40 years of service with the Ulverston-based pharmaceutical company in 1994.

Mr Dawson, 55, began his career as a messenger until he was old enough to start an apprenticeship at 16.

Glaxo technical director Richard Harrison presented him with a specially designed tiepin, worn only by staff with 40 years’ service, and a book chronicling 40 years of Glaxo.

Mr Harrison said: “You have seen and influenced tremendous changes and your input is very much appreciated.”

In 1995 The Mail reported that a Glaxo machine process worker, who suggested a way to save solvent being lost in the manufacture of antibiotics, received a £2,000 interim award for his bright idea.

Ivor Tyson was one of four company workers who received awards through the factory suggestions scheme.

Ian Clark helped cut costs in the production of another antibiotic.

Capacity to produce cefuroxime axetil was being doubled and Mr Clark won £510 for his suggestion to halve the samples taken for testing.

Dave Grundy received £240 for helping to cut the unnecessary 24-hour use of some extractor fans, and Chris Crowe of the Process Development Division got £200 for his idea to give plant cleaning log sheets identifiable colours.

Site director John Musgrave, who handed over the cheques, said: “To meet the pressure on the pharmaceutical industry today, Glaxo is encouraging smarter ways of working.

“Here are four members of the team who have taken this theme to heart.”

Also in 1995, Glaxo Wellcome chief executive Sir Richard Sykes presented the Glaxo factory at Ulverston with its second innovation award in as many years.

The group had begun a competition two years previoulsy between its plants in the UK and overseas to stimulate innovative ideas which helped the working environment.

And for the second year running the Ulverston factory won a prestigious international award.

It designed a device which prevented powder escaping during the manufacturing of tablets.

The innovation had cut the need for protective clothing around the batching machine.

A spokesperson said: "The device has enormous potential for applications at other Glaxo Wellcome plants worldwide and is already in use in three."