Tributes have been paid to the founder of Peter’s Pies who has died aged 98.
Thomas Stanley Thomas, known as Stan, passed away on Monday September 14 with his sons Peter and Stanley by his side.
Mr Thomas began Peter’s Pies as Thomas Pies in the 1950s in his home town of Merthyr Tydfil.
In 1976 the company moved to its current base on the Bedwas House Industrial Estate and was rechristened as Peter’s Pies.
Grand Metropolitan’s £95 million acquisition of the company in 1988 ended the family’s involvement in the firm, but the company has remained loyal to the man who started it all.
Mike Grimwood, Managing Director of Peter’s Food Service, said:“Stan helped to make Peter’s what it is today – one of Wales’ largest and most loved brands.
“He had a passion for pastry, innovative ideas and a brain for business.
“He saw the opportunities the end of meat rationing offered in the 1950s, and created a company which simply grew and grew, today employing 900 staff, and selling literally millions of pies every year.
“A family man and entrepreneur, Stan passed on his vision and enthusiasm to his sons, Sir Stan and Peter, and together they developed the highly successful Peter’s company we see today.
“Peter’s is Stan’s legacy – a household name that supplies retailers and venues across Britain, and based in a modern, purpose-built factory in Bedwas.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”