It’s not very often you hear an employee has worked for the same company for 50 years. Boxford’s Production Manager, Gary Midgley, has just reached this unbelievable milestone and we think it’s worth a special mention.
Gary pictured with our Chairman and Owner Paul Barraclough
Beginings
Gary joined Boxford on 28th July 1975. In the very same year, Microsoft was founded, Harold Wilson was Prime Minister in the UK, Gerald Ford was the US President and 10CC where number one in UK music charts with the hit single “I’m Not In Love”!
His first love was football, having had several trials at local football clubs. It’s lucky for Boxford that he did not make it to the first division, as we would not be celebrating his achievements working for the company today.
He left school at 16 years old and joined Boxford on an apprenticeship. His first roles included working in the turning and milling shop. He then moved to machine fitting and assembly. In 1988, Gary became Production Manager at the Boxford factory, overseeing all aspects of new machine builds, including the Boxford Shaper, Drills, Milling Machines and X10 Manual Lathes. Gary has always been involved during the introduction of new Boxford products. This includes Boxford’s first ever CNC Machine range, all the way through to the hi-tech Laser Cutter, Fibre Marking Laser, Fibre Laser Cutter and Laser Welder ranges we supply today.
Gary proudly pictured with a batch of Boxford’s early CNC machines
Boxford not only supply machines in the UK, but also all over the world. Because of this he has had the opportunity to travel to various countries including Egypt and Algeria to oversee the delivery, installation and training on Boxford equipment.
Gary has always been a member of the team able to turn his hand to almost any task! From machine building, delivery, installation, training, servicing and repairs, to plumbing, gardening and even decorating around the Boxford factory and offices!
Boxford today
Gary is still an integral member of the team, involved in the building, testing and servicing of the Boxford CO2 laser cutter range, fibre laser cutter range and CNC machine range. He is also involved with powder coating and overseeing our factory team members. His depth of knowledge is priceless to any new members joining the Boxford team. As a result, this helps them to learn, develop and gain a firm grasp on all aspects of our current product range.
Boxford are truly proud to have a mixture of long serving staff and newly appointed, highly-skilled engineers, which allow us to provide the best service possible and the highest quality machines.
Gary in pictured with the Boxford team in 2011
We’d like to wish Gary all the best of luck in the remainder of his career at Boxford and he has certainly set the standard when it comes to the quality of his work, dedication to the Boxford brand and an example to all of our employees. He received a gift from the company to thank him for his years of service and all of the team were able to get together to celebrate his fantastic achievement.