In today’s world it’s increasingly rare to find longevity or loyalty in business circles.
Boddingtons is very pleased this week to celebrate a notable exception.
Dave Moore joined our company as the England football team of Messrs Moore (no relation), Charlton, Ball, Stiles, Hurst and all prepared for its winning World Cup campaign.
1966 also saw Harold Wilson’s Labour Party increase its Commons majority on the promise of the ‘white hot’ technology revolution; the launch of the Ford Cortina Mk 2; the completion of Centre Point, London, the launch of the first Hovercraft from Ramsgate to Calais and the first Nissan cars (Datsun model) seen in the UK.
As a young apprentice Dave joined Boddingtons just as the plastics industry was gearing up for a full post-war boom. The following year The Graduate movie came out and the young Dustin Hoffman’s character was urged to get into the industry – “one word – plastics”.
Looking back to those early days Dave recalls many pioneering methods on the shop floor, and much necessary production improvisation, particularly in relation to the movement and setup of heavy machinery and tools.
Production technology has changed in leaps and bounds but, according to Dave, the Boddingtons ethic has changed little over that time. ‘One of the most important factors here – for young and old – is that we have a great team spirit here. We support each other right across the board – and long may that practice remain,’ he says.
We held Dave’s ceremonies and the formalities on the due 50th date last year. And as Dave prepares to hang up his boots this summer, we wish him and his family all the very best for a very happy retirement. Dave Moore will always be very welcome in this particular corner of Kent.
