IT was an emotional but proud moment for the family of globally renowned Redditch spring maker Michael Bunegar on Friday when an engineering training centre, memorialising his namesake, opened its doors.

The new academy at the Rubicon Business Centre in Lakeside, which cost £10,000 to set up, includes state-of-the-art equipment worth £200,000, which will be used to train spring makers of the future.

The late Mr Bunegar, of Hunt End, worked in the spring industry for 40 years and travelled the world as a representative.

He worked at Wafios-Metoma Ltd on Moons Moat for more than 20 years alongside colleague John Murley, who is now the managing director of Wire & Tube Technology.

Speaking at the opening, John said: "Mike would be very proud.

"His work in the industry is admired all over the world.

"When this started I did have an ulterior motive but I also wanted to memorialise my colleague.

"My thinking was the industry could use this spark.

"What I have tried to provide is something for our industry, the industry I have worked in for 40 years," he added.

Michael died aged 56, just six months after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in September 2014, leaving behind devoted wife Michele, daughters Jemma-Dee Burbridge and Natalie Bunegar, and his cherished grandchildren.

Jemma, aged 37, of Headless Cross, said: "We are massively proud. We hope it continues, grows and inspires other young people to work in the spring industry.

"He (Michael) loved work and he never had a day off sick. He said he would never retire and that is why his family are so proud that his legacy will live on in the new Michael Bunegar Training Centre.

"This is truly a great honour, and something to show the grandchildren and give other young spring makers a great start in their future careers in the industry.

"Michael lived his whole life in Redditch so this a very fitting tribute and legacy for the future of the Redditch spring industry of which he was a massive part of."

Natalie, aged 34, also of Headless Cross, said: "I know a lot of people came today because it was my dad’s name on the board.

"I wish he was here to witness it. He would be so emotional, seeing his name there would bring tears in his eyes.

"He would love this because it’s what he did- training people.

"Though his life was short-lived, he was very happy," she added.

Council leader Bill Hartnett added: "This is an excellent opportunity for anyone in Redditch with an interest in engineering."

The Michael Bunegar Training Centre includes two compression spring machines both of which came from Wafios in Germany.

There will be facilities to train four people at any time, but depending on its success the centre may look to expand into a bigger unit.

The centre's machines will be consistently sold and then replaced.

Wafios-Metoma closed in 2009 and Mr Murley formed Wire & Tube Technology, the official agent for Wafios AG in the United Kingdom and Ireland.