Timothy Taylor’s new transport depot and warehousing facilities have been officially opened.

The site, formerly occupied by WASK Engineering, is just across the road from the Keighley brewery.

The four-acre plot was bought by Taylor’s in 2007 and the old factory buildings were bulldozed to make way for the new development.

Guests at the opening included representatives from all the companies involved in the scheme. Also present was the retired managing director of WASK, Derek Abell, and his wife, Kay.

Taylor’s managing director Charles Dent said: “The WASK site is vital to our long-term future at Knowle Spring. To enable us to implement plans to further expand the brewery we needed to move our distribution and storage facilities off site.”

Norman Wooler — boss of RN Wooler and Co Ltd, in Keighley, the main contractor for the demolition and building work — said: “WASK Engineering was one of our very first clients when I started the business almost 30 years ago. In its heyday WASK exported to over 40 countries worldwide and was a major employer in Keighley. It was sad to see its decline but now I’m pleased we have been able to help Timothy Taylor breathe new life into the site.”

During the ceremony, Mr Dent also paid tribute to three retiring staff members — Susan Hargreaves, David Akesson and Tony Cleworth — and made presentations marking 25 years’ service to Susan, head brewer Peter Eells and key brewery team member John Wilson.

A short private trip was arranged on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway on a train that included a truck painted in the Timothy Taylor livery.