THREE workers at Bradford-based Seabrook Crisps are celebrating 95 years of combined service.
Karen Brown, a production shift leader, Philip Newall, an engineer, and Diane Robinson, an operations support administrator, all joined the company in the 1990s, clocking up 35, 30, and 30 years respectively.
Having started at the company when it was family-owned, all three members of the team have experienced significant change at the business as it has evolved to become the number one crinkle-cut crisp and the second-largest multipack crisp brand in the UK.
Karen Brown, who joined the company back in 1989, said: “When I started, I worked on crisp inspection and flavouring.
“Now a supervisor in the packaging department, I can’t believe how much things have changed.
“Saying that, despite how much we have grown, the directors still find the time to help out, hand-packing on a sixer or moving crisps around if packing machines need maintenance.
“It makes a big difference to the culture we have here.”
Diane Robinson, who joined in 1994, said: “When I started back in 1994, I joined the business as a packer.
“We would make up the boxes and pack the products by hand. When you look back, it’s hard to believe, really.
“Whilst a lot has changed, it’s always been a great place to work, not least because of the people that are here.”
Philip Newall, who also started in 1994, said: “I’ve had a really varied career at Calbee and that’s what’s kept things interesting over the years.
“From boxes and pallets to cleaning, preparation, and now engineering, mechanical and electrical.
“What’s great is that you work with everyone here, not just your own department. That helps to build a real team spirit and loyalty between us all.”
Daniel Woodwards, group managing director, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Karen, Diane, and Phil for their dedication over the years.
“Long service, to me, is a real testament to the commitment that someone has, but also the culture that you nurture at a business.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look back at all that we have achieved and forward at the exciting changes that are to come.”
Calbee, the parent company of Seabrook, is the fastest-growing top five crisps and snacks manufacturer in the UK.
Seabrook joined the Calbee group in 2018.
It is the number one crinkle-cut crisp brand in the UK.
