A FAMILY firm that ships construction equipment across the globe has celebrated half a century in business.

Warwick Ward was originally set up in Barnsley town centre in 1970 before moving to Blacker Hill, where it’s grown into the largest stockist of earthmoving and recycling equipment and new and used wheel loaders in Europe.

Despite its now global reach, the firm has kept its roots and employs dozens of workers from the local area.

Joint managing directors Ashley and Matthew Ward called the day a ‘truly momentous occasion’ – despite plans for a grand celebration being scaled back due to Covid-19.

“What an amazing journey it’s been and we are so proud of the company, its achievements over the years and all those people that have worked within the business and have contributed to what it has become,” said the brothers, who took over the reins from dad Warwick and mum Susan in 2000.

“The only sadness is that neither Warwick or Susan are around to celebrate with us but we are sure they are looking down from above and raising a glass to the past, present and future.

“Hopefully, they like what they see.

“We are sure they would be immensely proud, if not a little gobsmacked, at the shape and size the business has grown and evolved into over the last two decades that we have held the reins.”