MAJOR HOLIDAY HOMES manufacturer Willerby has celebrated its loyal workforce by presenting long service awards to more than 200 employees.
A total of 203 Willerby team members were recognised for their dedicated service, ranging from 10 to more than 45 years, during a day of celebrations this summer.
Willerby colleagues who received awards have contributed a total of more than 3,800 years to the Hull-based business which is this year celebrating its 80th anniversary.
In total, three quarters of all employees have been with the business for at least five years and over half for ten years or more.
Among those receiving long service awards were father and son Glenn Craig and Ben Rollinson.
Glenn, who joined the business as a labourer in the metal shop when he was just 15 and is now a production manager, was awarded a 35-year long service award.
He said: “Willerby was my first job after leaving school. I actually had my heart set on going into the Navy, and was only planning to work at Willerby for a couple months to earn some money.
“But I met a great set of friends and enjoyed the work so much that I just stopped considering the Navy, and now I’ve been here nearly 38 years!
“The people and the friendships are what makes Willerby such a great place to work. It’s a really welcoming and inclusive culture, and everybody respects each other.
“It’s also great for making personal career progression – Willerby is really good at investing in its people and helping them grow,” said Glenn.
Ben followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the business at 16 as a plumbing apprentice, and has worked his way up over the past 15 years to being a chargehand in the plumbing team.
He said: “My Dad always spoke really highly of the company, so when I left school it seemed like a good opportunity to apply for a job here.
“One of the things I enjoy most about my job is helping to train new starters. So many people helped me when I first joined the business, so it’s really rewarding to be able to do the same for others,” said Ben.
Willerby CEO Peter Munk attended the presentations and thanked staff for the exceptional service they had given to the company:
“We’re incredibly proud to have so many long-serving colleagues and feel it’s important to acknowledge their dedication and length of service over the years,” he said.
“The celebration of our team is extra special this year as we also mark our 80th anniversary with some of our employees having worked at Willerby for more than half of its existence.
“We’re committed to investing in our people and supporting them to grow in their careers, so it’s been fantastic to celebrate the contribution these colleagues have made,” added Peter.
Willerby itself is a longstanding member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA).