Longest serving employee marks retirement at Stephenson Gobin

Longest-Serving Employee Marks Retirement at Stephenson Gobin

Stephenson Gobin is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Keith Thompson, the company’s longest-serving employee, retires after an impressive 42 years of service.

Based at the Stephenson Gobin site in Bishop Auckland, Keith joined the business in 1983 as an Assembly Operative, at a time when the company was a small brake and clutch manufacturer with a team of just ten people. Over the decades, he has witnessed – and contributed to – the company’s transformation into a global organisation, expanding into new manufacturing facilities built to meet both existing and future capacity demands.

Now working as Senior Production Scheduler, Keith is widely recognised for his extensive knowledge, loyalty, and willingness to go the extra mile for both colleagues and customers.

Reflecting on his career, Keith said:

“The business has changed massively since I started 42 years ago. We were originally a team of 10 with only two central lathes and one CNC lathe.”

He added: “We are receiving new enquiries from global equipment manufacturers every day and my job has never been more exciting. The order quantities may have increased, but we have still managed to retain the capacity to service the niche, smaller quantity, bespoke market.”

Keith credits much of his enjoyment at Stephenson Gobin to the people he has worked with over the years.

“The best thing about working at SG has been the people. All my colleagues over the years have been friendly and always provide a good laugh,” he said.

“People are lovely – one of my old colleagues, Des, provided me with great advice and knowledge when I was starting out.”

Throughout his career, Keith has worked across multiple departments – from coil winding to planning – gaining a breadth of experience that has enabled him to introduce new ideas, improve processes, and pass on decades of knowledge to the next generation.

“SG has given me training and experience in each department I have been in. They gave me the opportunity to implement new ideas and processes and to pass on my 42 years of knowledge. The company also supported me when I was going through my own personal struggles,” he added.

CEO Andy Collinson paid tribute to Keith’s contribution, saying:

“Keith has been an asset to the company. He is honest and always willing to help wherever he can. I’d like to thank Keith for his dedication over the years. His knowledge and experience of our brakes, clutches and fire safety products is unrivalled.”

Keith’s lengthy and distinguished career was celebrated by friends and colleagues at the Bishop Auckland office with an afternoon tea and gift presentation, marking the end of an era and the lasting impact of a truly valued team member.