Leyland Trucks marks 1,910 years of service among 66 employees

Leyland Trucks has celebrated an extraordinary 1,910 years of combined service among 66 employees reaching major career milestones this year.

The achievement recognises the generations of skilled people who have helped establish the Lancashire business as one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

The recognition comes as Leyland Trucks celebrates 130 years of truck manufacturing in the town.

Among the 66 employees recognised for their long service this year were 27 celebrating 25 years, five marking 40 years and two reaching an exceptional 50 years with the business.

Colleagues attended the celebration at the Delta Hotel, Preston, where they were joined by senior leaders for an evening recognising their contribution and commitment.

Leyland Trucks plays a central role in DAF’s manufacturing operations, producing the full range of DAF commercial vehicles.

The company builds diesel and battery electric DAF trucks within the same advanced, mixed-model production site.

One of those recognised this year was Craig Jardine, who joined Leyland Trucks as an apprentice and has spent four decades with the firm.

Now working as a facilities and maintenance shift engineer, Craig began his career as a fitter before progressing into a supervisory role.

He said: “When I joined Leyland Trucks as an apprentice, a family friend told me I had a job for life.

At the time, I don’t think I really understood what that meant, but 40 years later, it couldn’t ring more true.

“I’ve seen the business change enormously over those years, from the way we built trucks back then to the technology and investment we have today. But one thing that’s never changed is the people.

“There’s a real family feeling here. You get to know colleagues across every department, and those relationships stay with you.

“I’ve had opportunities to work in different areas, learn new skills and progress throughout my career. I’ve never looked at going anywhere else, and I think that says everything about what makes Leyland Trucks such a special place to work.”

Also celebrating a 25-year long-service milestone was Sally Blamire, who began her career on reception before progressing into her current role as Health, Safety and Environmental Coordinator.

She said: “I’ve loved my time at Leyland Trucks and feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside such amazing colleagues, many of whom have become good friends.”

Phil Jones, managing eirector of Leyland Trucks, said: ”Recognising almost 2,000 years of combined service is a remarkable milestone and says a great deal about the people and culture we have here.

”As we celebrate 130 years of truck manufacturing in Leyland, it's worth remembering that our success has always been built on the knowledge, commitment and expertise of our people. Some of our colleagues have spent their entire working lives here, passing on skills and experience that cannot be replicated overnight.”