Tony clocks off for final time after 50 years’ service

Posted on: Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

Arden’s longest serving employee has clocked off for the final time.

Tony Hinchliffe started work at Arden Dies back in 1971 and after 50 years and 10 months with the company, he’s now embarking on his well-earned retirement.

Tony joined Arden aged 15 as a die-making apprentice, back in the early days of the company when our founders Frank and Philip Poynter were at the helm.

He recalls: “I started as an apprentice straight from school. It was at the original site in Marple, which wasn’t much more than a brick shed and there was only about 10 people working there.

“It was all about hand skills back then, there was no computers or anything like that. It was originally done with a jigsaw machine – the dies were drawn on the wood and then you hand-jigged it all out. Then the lasers came in and I remember working on the very first laser we had.”

After half a century as a die-maker, Tony has seen a lot of changes over the years.

“How times have changed,” he said.

“I’ve seen a lot of progression over the years – particularly with the introduction of computers and digitalisation, and of course with worker health and safety.”

For the majority of his career, Tony has worked in our Stripping Department.

He said: “The thing about Arden is that when you’re good at something you stick with it and I’ve had the pleasure of teaching a lot of staff the skills over the years.

“There are probably not many people who would have done 50 years in one place, but I’ve always enjoyed my time at Arden. I’ve met some wonderful people and made a lot of friends who have been there for me when I’ve needed them.”

Tony, now 65, is looking forward to his well-deserved retirement, and hopes to spend his time enjoying the great outdoors on his bike, walking his dog Elsa and holidaying with friends.

He added: “After 50 years, I feel now like I’m ready to retire. I am going to miss the people and having that routine, but I’ll call in to see everyone and will stay in touch.”

Tony clocked off for the final time on Friday, July 1.

Managing Director Martin Poynter said: “Tony has been part of the Arden family since the very early days, and we’d like to thank him for his outstanding commitment, loyalty and dedication over all these years of service.

“It’s been a real pleasure to have worked with Tony for all these years and everyone is really going to miss him. After half a century, it’s safe to say he’s earnt his retirement, and we wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”