An award-winning Forest Town business has rewarded its workforce for long service — and said farewell to one loyal member of the team.

Plastek UK Ltd (Europe), a manufacturer of custom injection and blow moulded components for the packaging industry, is known for its manufacturing innovation.

A spokesman said: “It’s always a pleasure to celebrate our people’s long association with the business.

“Plastek Group is renowned for the longevity of our people’s service. As we move into what will be a challenging but exciting time for us all, as we develop new and better answers to reducing our use of virgin resin and overall carbon footprint, it’s great to know we’ll be tackling those challenges alongside such experienced and committed colleagues.

Maintenance engineer Donald Hackett  pictured top (right) was presented with his 20-year long service award by engineering and servicing manager Darren Warboy after starting at Plastek on 24th June, 2002.

The company said: “Throughout the years Don has gained a lot of knowledge and skills that makes him an important part of the maintenance team.”

Project engineer Tom Sharp and tool setter Alan Gent have both received 10-year service awards.
Tom (above, left with Juraj Ulik, technical manager), who started at Plastek UK as an agency operator on the shop floor, was moved into the Tool Room in June 2012 on a permanent basis as apprentice toolmaker.

After completing studies and qualifications, he was promoted to tool room supervisor in February 2017. Two years later he changed roles and became part of the technical team as a project engineer.

Alan started at Plastek UK in 2012 as a tool setter and has become an integral part of the team. He is pictured (above, left) with Gary Dennington, senior tool and process setter supervisor.

Among the long service employees being celebrated four five years’ service are production operators who started on 5th June, 2017:

Patryk Nawrocki, who started as an agency operator working on the shop floor, before being offered a permanent role at the company; Dave McGowan; and Lynden Hearson, who also began his career at Plastek through an agency provider.

Christopher Ambrose, who also started as a production operator on 5th June, 2017, after being with an agency, was promoted to stand-in material handler on 12th June, 2020, and then offered a material handler role in November 2021.

One of Plastek UK’s long-serving employees, production operator Kenneth Dargue, has retired. He started at the company on 2nd February, 2006.

Kenneth (centre) is pictured with Ian Yates, production and health and safety manager, and stand-in team leader Laura Mason.