Brian Coundon Retires After 44 Years of Service at Fairgrieve Compression Moulding

Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, a leading UK manufacturer of specialist compression moulded parts with a worldwide reputation, has said farewell to long-serving team member Brian Coundon, who retired after 44 years with the Washington-based company.

Having completed his last nightshift, he admits the importance of the business in his life may soon see him return on a part-time basis.

“I’ll miss the team here. We have a great team who all get along and help one another. That has always been the way at Fairgrieves,” he said.

“I’ve done pretty much every job here over the 44 years, from shift manager to production supervisor.

“I can’t imagine working anywhere else as I’ve been here from the age of 16, and although I’ve done 99% of the jobs in the moulding world, there was always something new to learn every day, always a new challenge to overcome.

“I loved that, and I’m not sure how I’ll replace it in my life and what I’ll do in retirement.

“I’ve already said to the boss that if they need a hand, I’ll be available, or even if they just need my expertise on anything at all.”

Passing on the knowledge

In his final weeks Brian has focused on training new employees, helping ensure the business continues to meet rising demand.

“It’s great to see the business doing so well again now. The factory is supremely organised and spotless, and really does impress everybody who comes to visit. We work in a very organised way and adhere to strict rules on 5S and workplace organisation. You look around and feel proud,” he said.

“In my final weeks it has been really rewarding to be training up new employees on the machines and passing on all my years of experience with the business.

“I’ve gained lots of knowledge and experience and so to be able to pass on what I have learned over the years to the younger staff members has been very rewarding.

“It’s a great team. I’ve worked with so many wonderful other people over the years who have been willing to help one another.”

Six week contract to 44 years

Brian began with Fairgrieves on a six-week contract at the firm’s old Sunderland site.

“I never looked back from that start,” he said.

“We’d always be working with hand tooling back in those days as we only had a few machines. The working conditions were awful as well. If it rained the factory flooded, and there were always pigeons in the factory.

“I saw the business go through some tough years, but even in those days, we secured some really big orders. I remember a starch tray order coming in one day, which was worth more than £1 million, and we all celebrated it.

“The previous owners allowed things to drift, and we needed a new direction and a new injection of ambition, which we got when the business was bought a few years ago.

“I take great pride in our history, that we are over 110 years old and were the first company in the UK to compression mould Bakelite plastic, but I also take great pride in where the business is now, the success it is having, and having played my part in that.”

A valued colleague

Barry Davidson, managing director of Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, said:

“Brian has been a dedicated, loyal and reliable employee, who, equally as importantly, is a kind and friendly man who has given great service to the business.

“Over the years, he has stepped up to commit to working nightshifts, and that commitment and willingness to work unsociable hours, week after week, have been hugely valuable to us and greatly appreciated.

“Importantly, Brian has always been willing to share his experience and knowledge with people new to the business, taking pride in passing on his skills to the next generation.

“We, of course, wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his significant contribution to the business.”

Read more from Fairgrieve Compression Moulding here.

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