Member Article

Mechan stalwart steps down on silver anniversary

Rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is bidding a fond farewell to one of its longest serving employees, who retires this month after 25 years of service.

Works supervisor, Pete Bates, from Birdwell in Barnsley, will be completing his final day at the Sheffield-based manufacturer on May 18, after joining the firm in 1992.

Pete, who turns 65 on May 15, is planning to swap his welding iron for a five iron, as he aims to spend more time on the golf course in retirement – if he can fit it in between grandad duties. He said: “Although Mechan has evolved technically in the years I have served, it has retained a family feel. I am taking away some very fond memories of site installations and the people who have made working here so rewarding.”

After a 14-year stint at British Coal, Pete joined Mechan as a plater/welder, working on the shop floor to produce bespoke lifting and handling products for rail depots. Notable projects have included assembling the firm’s largest set of jacks to date for the Longsight depot in Manchester and a record-breaking rail traverser for the Port of Felixstowe.

Martin Berry, Mechan’s engineering manager, said: “Pete has been part of the fixtures and fittings in our workshop for so long, his considerable skills and experience are going to be sorely missed. We are a small, close-knit team and the efforts of each individual make a lasting impact. My colleagues and I would like to thank him for the contribution he has made to our success and wish him a long and happy retirement.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nina Sorby .