29 Oct Lifelong Careers – Neil Ritchie 25yrs
Neil Ritchie is celebrating his 25-year anniversary with Gray & Adams. Joining the company straight from school, Neil has built a long and successful career within the business and is now an Assistant Line Manager in the Brakes Department.
Over the last quarter of a century, Neil has become a key member of the production team, working predominantly on the night shift for the past 10 to 15 years. In his current role, he helps oversee the installation and testing of brake systems, primarily on Gray & Adams’ double-deck trailers, ensuring they are fully prepared before moving on to the assembly stage.
Reflecting on his 25 years with the company, Neil jokes that the milestone represents “a lot of airbags, chambers and tie wraps!” However, behind the humour lies a wealth of experience and knowledge gained through years of working with evolving trailer technologies and braking systems.
Neil believes one of the reasons he has remained with Gray & Adams for so long is the constant opportunity to learn. Throughout his career, he has witnessed significant advancements in vehicle technology and has embraced the challenge of keeping up with new systems and innovations. He also credits the way he has been treated during his time with the company as a key factor in his long service.
When asked about his biggest achievement at Gray & Adams, Neil answered, “Definitely lasting so long on the night shift!” Neil’s dedication and commitment to working nights for over a decade has played an important role in supporting production and ensuring trailers are completed to the highest standards.
Asked which role he would choose if he could do another job at Gray & Adams for a day, Neil was quick to answer, “Probably a driver. Surely nobody can annoy me out there! I’d happily do the night shift driving.”
When discussing what he enjoys most about working for Gray & Adams, Neil highlighted both the technical aspects of his role and the people around him. “I genuinely enjoy my job. I like learning about new brake systems, TPMS, trackers and reversing systems. I suppose some of the people have been alright too!”
As Neil celebrates this significant milestone, Gray & Adams would like to thank him for his dedication, hard work and contribution over the past 25 years. His commitment to learning, willingness to adapt to new technologies and many years of service on the night shift have made him a valued member of the team, and we congratulate him on reaching this remarkable anniversary.