BASSENDEAN emergency vehicle manufacturer Paull and Warner Body Builders has marked 70 years in business, with generations of family and staff celebrating the milestone.

The company brought together employees, clients, suppliers and family members for a golf day and celebration at Hillview Golf Course earlier in October.

Paull and Warner managing director Mike Paull said the anniversary reflects a working life that began on the workshop floor 58 years ago.

“I didn’t start in an office, I started on the workshop floor, getting my hands dirty, learning the trade tool by tool, and understanding what it truly takes to build something of value,” he said.

The business began in 1956 when founders Keith Paull and George Warner bought the company from their employer, R.S. Greenwood.

A few months later, Mr Warner asked Mr Paull to buy his share.

Mr Paull and his wife Ivy raised five sons, who each worked in the business over the years with their children and grandchildren following their footsteps and working there during the business’ lifespan.

Mike Paull completed his apprenticeship in 1972 and became workshop manager in 1980.

He said his father taught him every part of the business, from building vehicles to sales, quoting and managing finances.

“Because of his teachings and his strict guidance, I didn’t just learn how to build vehicles, I learned how to run a company,” he said.

Mr Paull and his wife Marita acquired Paull and Warner Body Builders in 2000 and bought the Bassendean premise in 2006, developing it into a purpose-built manufacturing facility.

The company manufactures ambulances and other emergency response vehicles for St John Ambulance and the mining and health sectors.

Mike and Marita’s daughter Katherine Speck said seeing her 73-year-old father continuing to work alongside staff on the manufacturing floor was a testament to his work ethic and the spirit at its core.

“It is pretty rare to see the 73-year-old owner of a business still out on the manufacturing floor, working alongside everyone else,” she said.

“We might all think Mike’s slightly crazy for still doing it, but there’s also something pretty special about it.”

Ms Speck said her parents had given many people jobs and opportunities, building relationships with employees and subcontractors that had lasted for years.

Operations manager Brad Dufall said he valued the support and opportunities he had received since joining the company in 1982.

“I’ve learned so much over the years, and I’m so grateful for the laughs, the hard work, and the constant support,” he said.

“It has been a privilege to contribute to our shared goals and work alongside such a dedicated team.”

The company also sponsors the Mining and Emergency Response Competition, supporting volunteer mine rescue teams and community charities.

Mike credited Marita and his family with helping him through the challenges of running and growing the business and upheld that the philosophy passed down by his father remained central to its work.

“If you build quality vehicles and look after your people, the rest will follow,” he said.