Williams Refrigeration reflect on staff milestones

At a recent celebratory lunch, commercial refrigeration manufacturer Williams Refrigeration honoured some of the company's longest-serving employees, presenting awards to ten people with at least 20 years of service.

Purchasing manager Robert Smith, at 30 years of employment with the company, is ten years ahead of the rest. He gave his thoughts on the reason why staff retention is high at Williams Refrigeration: "I never get bored; it always challenges me! The trust to be allowed to make a vital decision, the support, the fast pace, and how Williams is always moving." 

With 20 years of service, Steve Leslie, managing director at Williams Refrigeration in Scotland, thinks that staff staying a long time is itself a factor in retention. "Their experience means they know exactly what's required, which makes life much easier for everyone," he says. "The team is a great bunch, and it makes my working life enjoyable." 

Smith identifies that the most significant change over the years has been technology. Ian Wiggins (20 years' service), production operative at Williams' plant in King's Lynn, agrees, "The products we make are more environmentally friendly now, which is a great thing. There've also been big advances in health and safety."  

Managing director of Williams Refrigeration, Tim Smith, said: "We have a wonderful record of long-serving staff," he says. "Each year, we honour the ones who make these milestones, and each year, I'm humbled by their commitment and loyalty. I'm proud of the whole team we have here; every single one of us contributes to our success."  

The ten award winners are:
       
      30  years

• Robert Smith, purchasing manager, King's Lynn

20 years

• Darren Hall, technician, King's Lynn
• Michael Steward, stores operative, King's Lynn
• Ian Wiggins, production operative, King's Lynn
• Lynette Wixey, purchase ledger supervisor, King's Lynn
• Paul Mason, production operative, King's Lynn
• Lee White, senior refrigeration design engineer, King's Lynn
• David Hayton, warehouse operative, Central Contracting Unit, Doncaster 
• Stephen Leslie, managing director, Scotland Contracting Unit, Edinburgh
• Steve Langford, sales project manager, Southern Contracting Unit, Maidenhead 

To learn more about the Williams product range, visit www.williams-refrigeration.co.uk.