HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-07-08, Page 17It was a pleasure
to work here
When John Kolkman, 'Itrry Griffiths
and John Moerbeek punched their time
card for the last time at Volvo, more
than 130 years of motor grader build-
ing experience left the building.
There were definitely no regrets and
only fond reminiscences and personal
jabs shared of over four decades of
employment for each man that went by
faster than any product on the assem-
bly line.
The trio, the most senior of Volvo
employees, talked openly of the
unprecedented training and opportuni-
ties afforded to them by the company
and the loyalty they felt to a organiza-
tion that treated its employees well and
in the fairest way possible.
While they were all approaching
four and a half decades of employment
at the Maitland Road facility, the clo-
sure of the business was not something
they saw coming.
There were definite retirement plans
in the works for Moerbeek who simply
delayed his April departure and worked
through to the end.
"It was convenient for me and I was
able to ride it out to the end," he said.
"It's been great working here and all
the guys were good to get along with.
They were all helpful. It was excel-
lent."
A machinist who started at 96 cents
per hour and worked through a four-
year apprenticeship, Moerbeek remem-
bers receiving raises every six months.
Like many long-term employees, he
worked through many departments
during his career including service,
engineering, welding and many years
service in the machine shop.
When Griffiths first punched in to
the company's time clock 44 years ago,
his employee number was 154. While
he didn't see the conclusion of the clo-
sure coming, he accepted retirement
and was prepared to move on.
"It is a real asset to say that you
worked here and there has just been
amazing training from the company
available to employees;" he said. 'They
taught us technology that has helped in
our home life too. Working on the cus-
tomired 600 series was a real test."
There wasn't a grader that left the
building without receiving the stamp
of approval from Kolkman, the 43 -year
employee who worked in several
departments over his career before
being assigned the task of pronouncing
graders fit for shipment to the custom-
er. For Kolkman, who had no intention
of retiring when the closure was
announced, the Volvo experience has
been a rewarding one.
"It has been a privilege to work for
this company and it was a privilege to
work for the Sully family," he said.
"They left the senior employees in
good standing. We have a great machine
here in the 900 Series and there is just
an absolutely great workforce here
producing a great machine. These are
dedicated workers and it has been a
privilege to work with them"
All three spoke highly of their
employer of over 40 years and were
thankful for the opportunity to work at
a progressive and caring workplace.
"It has been a privilege and
pleasure to have worked here,"
Kolkman said in closing.
Godench Signal-Star:Wednesday, July 8, 2009 -Pae All
Most manufacturing employees at Volvo have a number of years expe-
rience and have worked in various departments in the plant. Pictured
above is Wade Clark. Long-term employees Stewart Glousher and Dan
Butt proudly display one of the last road graders to leave the line at the
Maitland Road manufacturing facility.
•
Thank You VOLVO -Em to ees
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The management and staff would like to thank you for your patronage. We are proud to have been wit you all the way.
Our wish is that the friendships we have formed will continue for many more years.
Good luck to all of your,,,,
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