Honouring 40 years of service and beyond

From Left to Right: Colin Bean, Trevor Clark , Andy Hay, Simon Eykyn , Pete Keller, Steve Bagley, Paul Buchan, Paul Tew, Nigel Shields 

During the lunch, we spoke to several of the celebrated members to find out more about how their careers have changed and evolved over the last 40 years, what’s kept them with the business for so long, and what advice they might give to anyone just starting out. Here's what they had to say:

“I started out life at Dennis Eagle as an apprentice 46 years ago and since then have explored many different roles, from being a Fitter and Welder to a CNC programmer, a Project Engineer, and various roles across Purchasing. Currently I am seconded to Quality from Purchasing, soon to go back to cover the Expeditors for maternity leave. I look after most of the binfill for our Warwick facility as well as anything else I am asked to do!

“To see a product built from the ground-up is a truly interesting thing to experience and very few places offer this, which is one of the main reasons I’ve stuck around so long. My favourite thing about working here is the people I work with and the product we produce. My advice to anyone joining the business would be to embrace it and get to know the people around you. Time goes quickly once you get involved.”
- Andy Hay, Expediter, Purchasing

“As I approach this significant milestone, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my journey at Dennis Eagle — a journey that began quite unexpectedly back in 1985. I started working for Hestair Eagle after my father-in-law decided I needed a “proper job” rather than playing the drums. I only intended to stay for six months and here I am, 40 years later! My first role was in Stores and from there I moved into electrical work while studying to qualify as an electrician. Around 1989–90, I discovered computers; a turning point that shaped the rest of my career. With support from Dennis Eagle, I went on to study Computer Science at university.

Marking an incredible milestone: colleagues with 40 years of service joined by the Board of Directors

“In 1999, I officially joined the IT department, where I’ve enjoyed a variety of roles ever since, managing, supporting, and developing ERP systems and various applications. It’s been a rewarding experience, full of learning and collaboration. To me, Dennis Eagle has always been a great place to work. The people truly make the company what it is. To any new employees, I’d simply say: keep an open and inquisitive mind and strive to be the best version of yourself.

Thanks to everyone who’s been part of this journey — it’s been a pleasure.”
- Colin Bean, Business Systems Analyst, IT

“When I first joined Dennis Eagle, I started as part of the Maintenance team on a work scheme, then eventually I moved into Stores. I’ve now ended up back in Maintenance, so have gone full circle and back to what I know best. Over my many years of working here, I’ve gotten to know and really get on with the people in the factory. They’re a very good company to work for and have helped and supported me a lot by finding me interesting jobs that suit my skills. The four-day working week doesn’t hurt either!”
- Paul Buchan, Facilities Labourer, Maintenance

“Starting out in the business, I was originally hired to help clean and prepare the hoppers for painting. After three months I was offered a transfer into the machine shop as a press and guillotine setter/operator, which I did for almost a decade. I later transferred to the hydraulics shop and specialised in body/hopper fitting before moving to the chassis line as a Fitter, later becoming Area Coordinator for chassis. Dennis Eagle is down the round from where I live, so being local it’s great for commuting and highly convenient. For anyone looking to join the business now, I’d say get stuck in and get the job done – you never know where the next 40 years might take you.”
- Simon Eykyn, Area Coordinator (Chassis), Manufacturing

“I began my career at Dennis Eagle as an apprentice working on our body line, and since then I’ve worked in almost every other department in our factory! I’m now based in our Innovation Centre as a Development Shop Technician. The variety of my role keeps me very busy and interested – it’s given me the opportunity to get my fingers into many pies over the years. The Warwick office is also around a ten-minute drive from my front door, which has served me well over the past 40 years! The job offers many good prospects, something that even helped me convince my son-in-law to join Stores, making it a bit of a family affair.”
- Paul Tew, Development Shop Technician, Development

“I’ve worked as a Painter for Dennis Eagle for 45 years and counting. My uncle first introduced me to the business; he used to work in the Services team. Lots has changed in that time, including the fact that we only did primer when I first joined and now the whole painting process is done in-house. The other big change is the sheer volume of vehicles we’re now able to produce – it’s a lot more now than it once was! I’ve really enjoyed my time here, especially working with the great people who make up our shop floor. If anyone was to start with the business today, my advice would be to stick with it. It’s a good place to be a part of.”
- Trevor Clark, Painter, Manufacturing

“I started at Dennis Eagle in 1979, 46 years ago, as an apprentice in our old Warwick factory next to the racecourse. There were three of us at the time and we were put through our paces learning everything on the job from welding to fitting. I was dividing my time between working on the shop floor and attending college for around four years. I later moved to a permanent role as a Fitter and was very fortunate to become a chargehand very early in my career, which I then did for roughly 30 years. I’ve also managed the chassis line in my time and even managed our Blackpool site for a brief period, before eventually becoming the Deputy Manager for the whole of our Warwick site. I then went into Fabrication and have now settled back into my role as a Fitter. I’ve worked hard throughout my career here to implement several changes that have made a difference and am grateful to have had the opportunity to do so.”
- Nigel Shields, Fitter, Manufacturing

“I was initially hired by Dennis Eagle to help with the move from the old Warwick site to the current headquarters, to draw up the layout of the new stores in preparation for the change. Once the move was complete, I was then taken on in stores for several years, later moved into progress chasing, and finally on to manage the Materials team which is where I’ve stayed. The job is ever-evolving because there’s always something new to get stuck into. I’ve been involved in many initiatives in my time here so can happily say there’s never a dull moment, with plenty of challenges and opportunities along the way. Dennis Eagle is truly a place for longevity, both for the variety of work and the fantastic people you work with daily.”
- Pete Kelleher, Materials Manager, Manufacturing

A huge congratulations to all for this incredible achievement. Such commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the business is truly inspirational.