Coleford-based SPP Pumps received a right royal return visit from the Princess Anne to mark the firm's quarter century.

The Princess Royal, who opened the site in December 1987, was received by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter and was given a tour of the site where she spoke to employees and apprentices about their work.

She finished the visit by unveiling a plaque, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Coleford factory.

She was then presented with a donation by SPP which will be given to the charity Royal Forest of Dean Riding for the Disabled Association.

In a short tribute to SPP Pumps, Princess Anne said: "Sometimes it's not very helpful to be reminded that you were here 25 years ago.

"But the base line is it's really important to note that it has been 25 years of real change and success."

SPP Coleford has gone from strength to strength over recent years. A total of 170 employees now work at the factory, from apprentice level to doctorate.

Now the factory is set to take an even greater leap with a £9 million expansion, which will see the construction of a new pump test centre and offices, over the next five years.

Company director of SPP Pumps, Owen Shevlin said: "We've made Coleford a great place to work.

"A quarter to a third of our workforce is undergoing more training."

Chief executive of SPP owners, Kirloskar Brothers Limited, Sanjay Kirloskar, echoed his sentiments.

He said: "In 2003 we bought SPP. The biggest concern was whether we would move jobs to India.

"But there are lots of skills and knowledge in Coleford which is needed all around the world."

Engineer for pre-engineered products, Rob Dunkley, 63, joined SPP 25 years ago, just after manufacturing was moved from Reading to Coleford.

He said: "We're the biggest engineering company in the area. It's good for the area as we're bucking the trend, especially during recession."

Operations director Terry Newby is looking forward to the next 25 years.

He said: "The reason why we have survived is because we're made to measure. We tailor our products to what the customer wants.

"Here at SPP we have a broad spectrum of people and knowledge."

One apprentice, Zak Williams, 19, of Berry Hill, spoke to the Princess.

He said: "She asked what it was like working for SPP, when I started and whether I had any family working at SPP as well."