Machine Supervisor and Head of Penn Elcom Hastings, UK’s Laser Department Noel Adams hit a huge milestone on the 23rd February last year… 40 years working for Penn Elcom!
Previously a car mechanic, Noel joined Penn Elcom (at the time Penn Fabrication) in 1981 as a machine operator. His Penn Elcom career began in Buckinghamshire but he moved to Washington, UK in the early 1990’s when the company expanded its manufacturing capabilities. Whilst in Washington, Noel was promoted to Engineering Director which was a stepping stone to his current position.
“On a daily basis, I gather all the information needed to run both the day and night shifts across 3 departments. My current role requires a lot of organisational as well as mechanical skills. My time at Penn Elcom has really taught me how to effectively manage people.”
Noel’s knowledge of our products is second to none, and he still has a great passion for the work, even some 4 decades later! “It still amazes me how we can turn a flat piece of metal into any shape, completely customised if required and get the product to the customer with a very quick turnaround, sometimes even the same day!”
With over 40 years of service under his belt, we asked Noel how things have changed since he started:
“From a total of 8 staff (when I joined) supplying local businesses, to now being an international company, and a leading one within the industry… it is just unbelievable! I am happy to be a part of such a successful company. As an employer, they always look after their staff and continue to evolve the business, such as purchasing hi-tech machinery. The management is fantastic and one of the best things about working for Penn Elcom is the way the staff are treated… The longevity within the company goes to show how much people enjoy working here”.
Outside of work, Noel likes going to the cinema, loves to travel and is a big cricket fan and played at a high level himself… he even bought his first pair of cricket shoes from Penn Elcom President Phil Stratford.
Roger Willems, Chairman of Penn Elcom also makes it into Noel’s most memorable moments with the so-called ‘Crunchie Runs’ when they were traveling together – as Roger had quite the sweet tooth, he would ask Noel “do you want a Crunchie” before they’d stop to refuel. Roger added, “Noel always replied with ‘no’ but by the time we got home, all the chocolate bars would be gone!”:
“Myself and Roger used to travel together a lot. On this particular occasion, we were on the almost 300-mile trip back from Washington very late. Roger stopped at a service station for petrol (AKA a Crunchie Run) and this time came back with several bunches of flowers and gave me a bunch to give to my girlfriend. As I normally only give her flowers on special occasions, for the rest of that week and all weekend I got the Spanish Inquisition - she assumed that I was up to something because of the flowers!”
Roger concluded “Noel was 18 when he joined me, and here we are 40 years later… Same old Noel although now he has less hair, and I have even less than him! Apart from me, he is one of the longest-serving people at Penn Elcom.”
Huge congratulations Noel and thank you for your 40 years of service! We hope that you are as proud of your achievements as we are.
