Airedale International has rewarded more than 35 employees at an annual luncheon, where they were joined by their managers and company directors.

The group, made up from people from all areas of the business, had clocked up a total of 810 years’ service between them, equivalent to an average of 23 years each. This year’s milestones included a number of individuals from Airedale’s Service Division.

Phil Irvin, spares despatch technician, joined Airedale from a local dyers and bleachers mill in 1989. He joined on the same day as his brother, Colin, who is one of Airedale’s 40 service engineers.

Phil said: “I’ve been here 25 years and still like coming to Airedale. A lot of people started around the same time as me and they are still here. That’s why it’s a good company to work for - we have all grown up together, as has the company.”

Phil initially worked as a packer and then transferred onto the production line building condensing units before progressing to spares where he is one of a team responsible for shipping more than 1,300 items per week. Following two brain tumour operations in the last two years Phil says he is very grateful to Airedale for having looked after him.

Mark Hargrave (20 years’ service), service team leader, served an apprenticeship in refrigeration and air conditioning installation and maintenance. He joined Airedale as technical support engineer in 1994, eventually progressing to his current position of service team leader and achieving a Diploma in Management Studies along the way.

Managing director, Clive Parkman said: “Our people really have put Airedale on the map and have been behind the many ‘firsts’ Airedale has achieved over our 40 years in business. We’re not perfect but we’ve been careful to retain a family culture and will continue to do so as we carry on growing. 

“By creating the right environment for individuals at all levels to succeed at what they do and provide a way for them to progress their careers, as well as enjoy their time at work, we’ve been able to attract and retain a team of talented, committed people who together form a very successful team. I would like to thank each and every one of them for their loyalty to Airedale,” he added.

Pictured above is Clive Parkman (centre right) presenting machine operator Steve Smith with his certificate for 35 years’ service. Other Airedale employees pictured collected awards for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.