Fifty years in the making at Elringklinger

This December, Teesside-based automotive parts manufacturer will bid farewell to an employee who has spent an entire career with the company, clocking up 50 years.

Derek Hedges is retiring at the end of the year as he marks the landmark anniversary with ElringKlinger (GB).

In 1963, Derek took up his first role at ElringKlinger (GB) as a TP die maker and after working his way up, spent 17 years in his current position as product engineering support manager, overseeing an ever-growing customer facing engineering department.

25-year-old Lauren Attley, who has shadowed his role since joining the company in 2011 as technical assistant – and shortly after being appointed to shadow applications engineer – will take up the challenge as his replacement.

Derek said: “I have often been asked why I have spent my entire working career with one company. The answer is simple – luck, opportunities at the right time, people, interesting challenges, travel, support from my wife Julia and family, and above all having fun!

“I would also like to thank all my colleagues past and present at ElringKlinger for their help support and friendship over the years and I wish you all continued success.”

ElringKlinger (GB) managing director Ian Malcolm said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Derek who, for me and almost every other current member of the team at Redcar, has been here since day one.

“It’s testament to his character that he has been able to sustain a long and successful career within one company in the fast-moving environment that is the automotive industry and he has inspired many colleagues along the way. The year will certainly end on a high with the celebration of an incredibly valued employee.”

The company is also looking forward to an anniversary of its own in 2014 when it will mark fifty years on Teesside.

Ian Malcolm concluded: “Our business in the region has come a long way in the past few decades and we have some exciting plans in place for 2014. We hope to continue the longevity of our success and retain employees of Derek’s calibre for many more years to come.