At a special retirement ceremony held on Wednesday 25th April, Hadley-resident Frank Anslow received a Long Service Award from GKN Wheels. A maintenance technician at the company's Telford site, Frank has worked for the manufacturer for an impressive 50 years.
In front of family, friends and colleagues, the 65 year old was presented with the award by his manager, Kevin Evans, in recognition of his five decades of dedication to GKN Wheels.
Frank Anslow comments: “I’m thrilled to have received this award as I retire. I’ve worked with some incredibly talented people throughout my time here and I’m really proud to have completed 50 years’ service. I’d like to thank all of my colleagues who helped me celebrate on Wednesday, and also GKN Wheels for this special Long Service Award – it means a great deal to me.”
GKN Wheels is a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of wheels for off-highway applications, including agricultural, construction, industrial and mining machinery industries. One of Shropshire’s largest employers, the company has been established in Telford for over 100 years, having produced the world’s first steel wheel at the Hadley site in 1910.
Frank started working for GKN in the steel furniture department on 25th April 1962, aged just 15. He then progressed to the guard fitting shop, before moving to the Wheels maintenance department as a fitters mate. His then manager, Tony Merrington, was so impressed with Frank’s work and welding skills, that he sent him for six weeks of intensive training on fabrication and welding. After this, Frank was immediately promoted and his career went from strength to strength.
Kevin Evans, maintenance manager at GKN Wheels comments: “It has been my pleasure and honour to manage such a highly skilled gentleman as Frank Anslow.”
Dominic Roche, HR Manager at GKN Wheels adds: “I’d like to personally congratulate Frank on his incredible landmark achievement. Our employees are at the very heart of the GKN Wheels business and we’re honoured to have had Frank as a key part of the team for the past half century. His experience, knowledge and expertise have been a real asset to the company and to those working alongside him. We wish him a long, and very happy retirement.”
The ceremony, which was followed by a hog roast for all who attended, took place at the GKN Wheels site in Hadley, Telford.
