Mr Gillich, aged 22, a trainee precision engineer with Kuper in Reitberg, worked alongside Daltons Wadkin engineers for three weeks, focusing on planing and moulding machines.

He contributed to fitting, fault-finding and modifications before returning to Kuper on January 25.

The visit was the latest co-operation between the two companies, as Daltons Wadkin is UK distributor of the Kuper range of planer/moulders.

Daltons Wadkin director Francis Dalton said the relationship also involved Daltons Wadkin fitters visiting Kuper to see manufacturing of its range of planer/moulders.