Sutcliffe, who worked in the manufacturer's continuous feed division, oversaw a range of technological developments including the installation of the world’s first automated document factory at British Gas.

Craig Nethercott, Océ UK’s director of production printing, said: "Alan Sutcliffe has been a terrific stalwart for Océ, not only giving freely of his time to go beyond the call of duty to aid colleagues, but also has a deep knowledge, and commands deep respect, among so many of our customers."

Commenting on his career at Océ, Sutcliffe said it had been "a fantastic journey" with a company that had has produced "some amazing products and software".

Attended by more than 40 guests, Sutcliffe celebrated his retirement at Hersham golf club in Surrey on Thursday.