Trojan Baths staff have celebrated an incredible 825 years of continuous service at an event celebrating their length of service with the Yorkshire-based bath manufacturer, held at Briar Court Hotel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
The Long Service Awards, presented by Managing Director David Mosley, shone the spotlight on staff who have reached key milestones in their years of service, ranging from 10 to 35 years.
Staff were presented with a Trojan Long Service Yorkshire-made flat cap – handmade by world-renowned Castleford-based flat cap manufacturer Lawrence & Foster - with a different colour peak and embroidery for each significant milestone, from 10 to 25 years. The significance of the flat cap being the link to Trojan’s pride as a Yorkshire manufacturer and champion of produce from the region.
Welcoming recipients and their guests, David said how important long standing members of staff were to the organisation. Addressing a packed room of employees, as well as their family and friends who were invited to help them mark the occasion, David said,
“We are celebrating today our truly dedicated staff, who have a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the organisation, which really is invaluable to us. You have chosen to give most, if not all, of your careers to Trojan, contributing so much to the bathroom industry over the years, and so I must thank you all for your dedication and commitment.”
Mark Turner, current Project and Procurement Director, marked 23 years of service and credits the family-orientated culture at Trojan for his continued employment.
“I was initially employed to regenerate the manufacturing process and install new production lines, then to supervise one of the factories. I have seen and implemented many changes over the years working at Trojan, across the various manufacturing sites we have here in Huddersfield. I’ve built close friendships with my colleagues over the years and I’m sure Trojan will see me through to retirement”, said Mark.
Customer Care & Training Supervisor Vicky Giles, who joined Trojan straight from college, celebrated 16 years’ service.
“Before working at Trojan, I spent 4 years at college and even though it was my first full time job, I knew I wanted to stay’ said Vicky.
“It’s been over 16 years since I started in 2003 and I have worked in a number of different departments. I’ve stayed here so long because of the great working environment and job variety. My role has grown over the years and I am now responsible for all customer care and training and it’s wonderful to continually hear positive feedback from our customers.”
For Managing Director, David the introduction of this very first Long Service Awards is hugely important,
“We have never officially celebrated the dedication and service of our workforce before now. The triangle of loyalty between employee, supplier and customer is one of the keys to our success. When I realised there was over 825 years of combined service - with 12 people having worked here for over 25 years - I knew we had to start celebrating and recognising the impact on the business! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your family and friends personally, on behalf of the Board of Directors.”
There was also a very special mention for employee Mick Langford who has worked as a sprayer in the bathroom industry for 50years – 24 years with Trojan - without ever taking a day off!
As part of the awards ceremony, all guests were treated to fantastic Italian cuisine, free drinks and a celebratory Long Service cupcake made especially for the event, with a special Trojan cake topper and personalised Thank You card. Musician Jack Manning kept guests entertained all evening with covers of some of the greatest chart hits of the past 35 years too.
