One of the region’s oldest civil engineering firms has recognised some of its longest serving employees in what is the company’s 70th anniversary year.
The Owen Pugh Group, which is headquartered in North Tyneside and has a presence across the North East, held an event to celebrate 12 staff members who have clocked up a staggering 426 years of service between them and to present some with long-service awards.
The company’s longest serving employee, 65 year old Albert Trick a Plant Operator from Newcastle is set to retire this month after working with Owen Pugh since 1970.
He said: “Having worked with Owen Pugh for the best part of half a century the decision to take retirement was a very difficult one as it’s been a part of my life for so long. I’m proud to have been a part of the business; I’ve seen so many changes along the way. The company has grown into one of the region’s most successful civil engineering outfits and will grow even more, I’m sure.
“I’m looking forward to spending some time on the golf course and to doing the garden and other jobs around the house. I’ll definitely be keeping in touch with my friends and colleagues at Owen Pugh and I wish the board and the whole team every success for the future.”
In addition Steve Dunn, IT Manager and Russell Frank, a Welder received awards to acknowledge the fact they have been employed by Owen Pugh for 20 and 30 years respectively, while Malcolm Cuthbertson, another Plant Operator, became the 8th employee in Owen Pugh’s history to become part of the ‘over 40 club’. An additional eight staff from across the company’s divisions were also invited to take part in the celebrations having each been with the business for more than 30 years.
John Dickson, chairman of the Owen Pugh Group, said: “As a business we pride ourselves on retaining the talent that has made Owen Pugh the success it is today, so to celebrate the fact that 12 of our longest serving employees have amassed 426 years between them is incredible. I am very thankful for their commitment to the business over the years and I wish Albert all the very best in his retirement.”
Across the group’s 420 employees 27 people have accumulated over 20 years’ service; 83 have more than 10 years’ service; and there are 146 with over five years’ service.
The awards come as Owen Pugh celebrates its own special milestone, 70 years since its formation. From its origins in plant hire and haulage, the business has developed into a full service civil engineering contractor operating from the Tweed to the Humber from five North East sites; at Dudley, Blaydon, Middlesbrough, Bassington Lane in Cramlington and at Marsden Quarry near Sunderland.
Current chairman John Dickson joined Owen Pugh & Co Ltd in May 2005 to oversee a management buyout of the firm resulting in the formation of the Owen Pugh Group. Dickson and his team have succeeded in growing the business each year and it now has a turnover of over £36 million. It recently announced the formation of two new company divisions, Owen Pugh Civil Engineering Ltd and Owen Pugh Services, to position itself for its next stage of growth.
Mr Dickson added: “The success of the Owen Pugh Group since its foundation in 1946 has been based upon continual development in our people, products and services. Now, in our 70th year we have the team, the infrastructure and assets in place, coupled with a remodelled business structure, to ensure our next phase of growth.”
The scope of work delivered by Owen Pugh ranges from road and bridge construction, ports, harbours and sea defences, industrial facilities and office parks to urban renewal and environmental improvements, land reclamation, remediation and environmentally sensitive schemes.
To find out more about the Owen Pugh Group visit www.owenpugh.com.