CNC drill and saw operator Jason Hilton is the latest employee to clock up 25 years at HPP, taking the number of names on the 25-year section of our long service wall of fame to 15.
Jason, who works in BP1, receives a framed certificate, a commemorative plaque and a £100 reward for his long service, which he reports has already been spent on a couple of pairs of snazzy new trainers.
The scheme recognises lengths of service in five-year increments starting at five years, with the rewards increasing with each milestone and culminating in the 25-year award.
In fact, it's the second time in two years Jason's benefited from our scheme. He received a £100 voucher, certificate and two days' additional holidays to mark 20 years when we launched the scheme in 2024, particularly to recognise the 42 employees (at that time) who had each given us between 20 and 25 years loyal and valuable service.
"When the scheme was launched, I'd done 24 years, so I was one short of the '25' award, but I got the 20-year award, instead," explains Jason. "It's always been a really a great place to work. There's a lot of great lads. I've seen a lot of good lads come and go but even all the new lads are just as good."
Dad-of-two Jason first joined us working nights as a dim (dimension) saw operator after a word-of-mouth recommendation from a family member and spent over 12 years on the night shift until it was ended around the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. He then moved to BP 1, where took on the CNC drilling duties.
He began his working life as a painter and decorator after embarking on a YTS training scheme after leaving school but then retrained as cabinet maker with Gledhill Kitchens on Shaw Road, in Oldham.
When that job became redundant, he moved down just down the road to David Michael Interiors, where he worked for eight years before coming to HPP.
Marketing manager, Kenika Gumbs, says: "Congratulations Jason on reaching your incredible milestone. Your dedication, passion, and hard work have truly made a difference, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our team."
As for Jason, he says he's no plans to go anywhere and has set his sights on a 30-year award!