Lifetime Achievement award winner Ronnie Nicholson of Gestamp says he’s “never thought the grass was greener” during his 50-year career.
Logistics operator Ronnie was a hugely popular winner of the award, which was sponsored by Resolution Media and Publishing, who organised the 2024 Make Your Mark Awards on behalf of Aycliffe Business Park Community.
And reflecting on his career, Ronnie recalled how his Gestamp journey began when, as a fresh-faced 16-year-old, he got a job at the place his mam worked, Tallent Engineering.
“I was working at a little builder’s place but after six months, it closed down,” said Ronnie, pictured with Resolution director Martin Walker.
“At the time, my mam worked at Tallent Engineering, which is Gestamp now.
“I went down to see her and while I was talking to her, the supervisor came over, being nosy, to see who I was. My mam introduced me to him – he said ‘do you want a job and can you start on Monday?’ I said’ aye’ and that was it – December 7, 1974.”
Over the years, he’s seen factory processes go from manual to robotic work, with automotive presses now the norm.
But even though he’s now 66, he’s happy to keep working and learning new skills.
He said: “You have to adapt – it’s part of life isn’t it? People always think a robot is going to take over someone’s job but it doesn’t really – there’s still jobs there.
“I’ve seen probably thousands of people in and out of the place, from directors right down to the factory floor.
“I’ve seen the lot – but I’ve never thought the grass was greener. It isn’t always greener so why change? And at the moment, I’m not ready for retirement.
“I’m not one to sit about and watch daytime telly – it’s not me. I’d rather go to work and hopefully, if my health lets me, I’ll keep going on a bit longer. And the people I work with are brilliant – they help me along.”
Phil Atkinson of BTS Facades and Fabrications, along with Husqvarna’s Caraline Robinson, were the other two finalists in the Lifetime Achievement category – one of 11 on a hugely successful evening.
Almost 250 people attended the Hardwick Hall event, which included a three-course meal,a collection for defibrillator charity Missed A Beat and a keynote speech from 3M Aycliffe plant manager, Paul Hind.