A GRANDFATHER of 10 has been honoured by a Bradford electrical manufacturing firm for his 60 years of service to the company.
Trevor Tomlinson, 74, of Bradford, was presented with an award for 60 years of service in front of around 100 employees at Powell (UK) Ltd, which is based on Ripley Road, West Bowling.
Presenting the award, Brett Cope, CEO of Powell Industries, said: “This is an amazing milestone for the company. We cherish the family culture.
“We have the 25-year wall at our six other factories, but not a 60-year wall. He’s set a new bar.
“Trevor is leaving his mark. He’s the longest-serving employee in Powell’s history. It’s a huge accomplishment. He’s set a great example for the team.
Presenting the award, he told Trevor: “You’re an important member of our team. Please accept this token of our appreciation on your 60th anniversary.”
“Thank you very much everybody,” said Trevor, addressing his colleagues.
Speaking to the T&A, Trevor said: “In 1964, it was called Switchgear and Instrumentation (S&I). We were based in Pudsey and we made dryers and sent them worldwide. I finished school on a Friday and started work on the Monday.”
Trevor, now a paint machine operator, did not start as a painter.
He said: “I started out as an apprentice in fabrication. I was a welder for five or six years.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but we’ve always had a good workforce here. People look after you and you look after them. It’s a family.”
Trevor said: “I’m not the type of person to jump from one job to another.
“We’ve recently moved into a nice cottage, so that’s what you work for. It means a lot to me to be recognised. It’s been a good day and quite emotional. It’s good of Powell to do what they did. It gets better and better working for them. They’re always positive.
“It was nice when they named the main boardroom after me when I worked here for 50 years. People always ask: ‘Who’s that guy?’”
When asked if he would retire sometime soon, Trevor, a father of six children and 10 grandchildren, who will be 75 in May, would not say.
Trevor and his wife Diane Tomlinson have six children- Katie Hardwick, Mathew Tomlinson, Emma Tomlinson, Danial Tomlinson, Sarah Singh, and Laura Payne.
Diane said: “He’s been a very hard worker. He is at home as well. He likes to be busy.”
Katie added: “My dad is very dry and sarcastic but also very loving, supportive and funny. I don’t know where any of us would be without him. I couldn’t be prouder.”
