Staff at Celestion in Suffolk mark centenary birthday

Staff at Celestion, which designs and exports loudspeakers, marked the anniversary at their headquarters in Claydon Business Park in Great Blakenham on Monday.

Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, unveiled a plaque.

Mr Spencer said that businesses such as Celestion were vital to the Suffolk economy.

He said: "I am delighted to join Celestion to mark its centenary year and to meet the team and congratulate them on their outstanding achievements.

"Businesses like these are integral to Suffolk's local economy, providing jobs for local people.

"And with such a global reach and high-quality products, it's no wonder that Celestion are still here today marking 100 years in business.

"I look forward to seeing them grow even further in the next hundred years.”

Celestion managing director Nigel Wood said that over the last 100 years the company had maintained its core identity as a specialist and market leader in the production of loudspeakers.

He said: "Celestion is honoured to be recognised on its 100th anniversary.

"As a company, we started making loudspeakers 100 years ago and today we are still making loudspeakers.

"Celestion has always stayed true to its core identity.”

Celestion's 50th anniversary in 1974 was marked by the visit of HRH Princess Margaret to the company's factory in Hadleigh Road, Ipswich for the unveiling of a similar plaque.

HRH Princess Margaret unveiling a plaque at the Celestion factory on Hadleigh Road in 1974 to mark the firm’s 50th anniversary. (Image: MS Media) Over the last century, the company has made a number of breakthroughs in loudspeaker technology.

It has also become well-known for innovating the modern guitar amp speaker - designing the first speaker specifically for use with guitar amplifiers and developing PA system brands featuring Celestion speakers.

Celestion has also set industry standards in relation to hi-fi, instrument amplification speakers and sound reinforcement. 

Some of the most famous guitarists in the world have used Celestion speakers including Brian May and Jimi Hendrix.

Originally established in 1924 by gramophone maker Cyril French and his three brothers in London, the firm started production in Foxhall Road, Ipswich in 1968.

In 1970, the firm merged with a clothing company and shortly afterwards acquired the Hadleigh Road site. 

By 1975, all manufacturing had been moved to Ipswich.