Leyland Trucks has recognised almost 2,000 years of combined service among 66 employees reaching career milestones this year.
The event at the Delta Hotel in Preston came as the Lancashire business also celebrated 130 years of truck manufacturing, with its workforce continuing to design and build DAF trucks across UK and international markets.
Among the employees recognised for their long service were 27 celebrating 25 years, five marking 40 years and two reaching an impressive 50 years with the business.
Craig Jardine joined Leyland Trucks as an apprentice and has now spent four decades witnessing the transformation of truck manufacturing first-hand.
The facilities and maintenance shift engineer said: “When I joined Leyland Trucks as an apprentice, a family friend told me I had a job for life. At the time I don’t think I really understood what that meant, but 40 years later it couldn’t ring more true.
“I’ve seen the business change enormously over those years, from the way we built trucks back then to the technology and investment we have today.
“But one thing that’s never changed is the people. There’s a real family feeling here. You get to know colleagues across every department, and those relationships stay with you.”
Sally Blamire began her career 25 years ago on reception before she progressed into a health, safety and environmental co-ordinator role.
She said the ability to develop professionally while balancing family commitments was central to her experience.
“I’ve loved my time at Leyland Trucks and feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside such amazing colleagues, many of whom have become good friends,” Blamire said.
“I started on reception, a role I absolutely loved, and throughout my career the business has supported me in balancing work and family life while bringing up my children.
“Now they’re grown up, I’ve had the opportunity to take on new challenges and develop my career further.”
Leyland Trucks MD Phil Jones paid tribute to the knowledge, commitment and expertise of its people for building the company’s success: “Some of our colleagues have spent their entire working lives here, passing on skills and experience that cannot be replicated overnight,” he said.
“We’re incredibly proud of the role we play within DAF’s manufacturing network, producing trucks that operate on roads across the UK and internationally.
“The scale and sophistication of our operation today reflects generations of employees who have helped the business evolve, innovate and raise standards.”
