Staff from Johnson Matthey in Royston joined their colleagues from other UK sites, and the firm’s chief executive, to celebrate their 200th anniversary by opening the London Stock Exchange market this morning.

Chief executive Robert MacLeod was thrilled that a group from the company, which was founded in Hatton Garden in 1817 by Percival Norton Johnson, was invited along.

Mr MacLeod said: “This is a very special year for all of us at Johnson Matthey as we celebrate our 200th anniversary.

“This extraordinary achievement belongs to my colleagues worldwide, some of whom are here today, and to our predecessors.

“For two centuries Johnson Matthey has been at the forefront of inspiring science and it’s an honour to celebrate that here today.

“Much of the important work that we do is not visible to the naked eye but the impact of our science is global and profound. This year we renew our mission to make the world a cleaner and healthier place for everyone”.

The chemical firm is a major Royston employer. As well as the site on Orchard Road, Johnson Matthey has operations on all continents and more than 90 per cent of the company’s sales come from technologies that have an explicit environmental, health or sustainability benefit.

Its science enables the global automotive, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries and its business constantly evolves and innovates to meet the changing needs of these industries.

Today, one third of all new cars on the planet are fitted with catalysts manufactured by the firm.

And, at the same time, the company is applying its expertise to create vital products for the pharmaceutical and medical industries.

A spokesman added: “Throughout its history, Johnson Matthey has always had science and technology at its core. Through the constant application of new ideas and new processes, the company has built an organisation that has sustained 200 years of growth and that is helping create a sustainable future for our planet.”

For more see www.matthey.com.