An Econ Engineering employee who has worked on more than 10,000 gritters and snow ploughs has “come of age”.
James Simmonds, who started working for the Ripon-based business when he was 19, has celebrated 21 years at the firm, which supplies 85 per cent of the winter maintenance vehicles used on Britain’s roads.
And to thank him for his unstinting service, Ripon-born James was presented with an engraved watch by Operations Director, Jonathan Lupton, and Factory Manager, Colin Trewhitt, during a socially distanced ceremony.
James, who is part-of a nine strong team that prepares vehicle chassis ahead of them being ‘made’ into snow ploughs, gritters and ‘hotboxes’, said: “Econ is a great place to work and I’m incredibly happy here.
“From the first day I set foot on the factory floor I’ve never looked back. Over the last 21 years the business has evolved, and there has always been continual investment.
“I’m incredibly proud of being a part of the Econ team and what we do here, in Ripon. I’m also still very proud of the role we play in keeping Britain’s roads open during the harshest of winters.
“It’s an honour to receive this watch and I will wear it with pride. I’m also looking forward to continuing my role working on the fantastic winter maintenance vehicles that we are famed for.”
“James is a valued member of the Econ team and we are delighted to have presented with him this watch as a mark of our gratitude.”
Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director
“These days it’s rare for employees to stay in one job for a long time, but Econ is an exception. James is one of a good number of colleagues who began their career with us as teenagers, and have continued their employment with as valued members of the ‘Econ family’.
“With a workforce of more than 240, we are a major employer within the region, and incredibly proud of our Ripon roots.”