The company that helps surgeons look inside their patients has a clear outward looking vision itself. KeyMed a subsidiary of the Japanese technological firm, Olympus Optical, was founded in 1970 with a staff of four. It has grown to become an international leader in manufacturing, specialised in medical and industrial equipment, such as endoscopes - the long tubes used to see inside the body. The company which is based in purpose built and recently renovated factories in Southend on Sea, has a branch in Livingstone, West Lothian and a subsidiary in Plymouth. Although basic pay for service and manufacturing workers is not high (£10,000 - £13,000) there are good bonuses and cash rewards. Outstanding contributions are rewarded at annual awards dinner at the London Dorchester. At Christmas, current and retired staff receive a luxury hamper while current staff have a pantomime, free to all the family and held in the historic Palace Theatre in Westcliffe. Staff also get a free Christmas lunch in the canteen which sells food at cost throughout the year and provides free take home meals for people working late. KeyMed made donations to more than 160 causes last year. Every year a team runs the Southend half marathon in aid of a children's hospice and 87% of staff said they felt good about the firm's community work. Health is also well cared for with annual checks and free gym membership in Southend. KeyMed has a nursery for 50 children costing £15.90 per day and discretionary time off (as much as several months) to care for dependants. The nursery manager organises a variety of activities such as meals for international festivals and lunchtime birthday parties to which parents are invited. There are two days of paid paternity leave and the same for adoptive fathers. After a factory renovation last year 93% of workers say facilities give a good working environment. When staff retire, they are invited to a special presentation in the company theatre, When they joined the firm 92% say they were made to feel welcome. One worker said 'KeyMed prides itself on looking after staff and puts back a large amount of money each year, caring for the young and the old. I am proud to be part of it and will be here until I retire'.
