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Fairgrieve says farewell to Brian Coundon after 44 years of benefiting from his compression moulding expertise

After 44 years’ dedicated service to Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, Brian Coundon found it incredibly hard to say a final goodbye.

For having completed his final nightshift, he admits the importance the business has had on his life may soon have him requesting a quick return – albeit on a part-time basis.

“I’ll miss the team here. We have a great team who all get along and help one another. That has always been the way at Fairgrieves,” he said reflecting on four decades at the company.

“I’ve done pretty much every job here over the 44 years, from shift manager to production supervisor.

“I can’t imagine working anywhere else as I’ve been here from the age of 16, and although I’ve done 99% of the jobs in the moulding world, there was always something new to learn every day, always a new challenge to overcome, a new way of approaching a job, and new things to tackle.

“I loved that, and I’m not sure how I’ll replace it in my life and what I’ll do in retirement.

“I’ve already said to the boss that if they need a hand, I’ll be available, or even if they just need my expertise on anything at all.”

Passing on the knowledge

One thing Brian has loved in his final months has been training up the new additions to the Fairgrieves team, as a recruitment drive was launched to ensure the business can continue to meet ever-increasing demand for its products.

And, having been at the company during some ‘difficult days’, he says has been thrilled to see its resurgence over the past three to four years, securing major contracts and being recognised at industry and regional awards events.

“It’s great to see the business doing so well again now. The factory is supremely organised and spotless, and really does impress everybody who comes to visit. We work in a very organised way and adhere to strict rules on 5S and workplace organisation, with everything back in place for the next day. You look around and feel proud,” he said.

“In my final weeks it has been really rewarding to be training up new employees on the machines and passing on all my years of experience with the business.

“I’ve gained lots of knowledge and experience and so to be able to pass on what I have learned over the years to the younger staff members has been very rewarding. It’s how it works here and is how I progressed in the business and on the factory floor.

“It’s a great team. I’ve worked with so many wonderful other people over the years who have been willing to help one another.”

Six week contract to 44 years

Recalling the days in the firm’s old factory located in Sunderland’s High Street East, Brian says he started at Fairgrieves on a ‘six week’ contract.

“I never looked back from that start,” he said.

“We’d always be working with hand tooling back in those days as we only had a few machines. The working conditions were awful as well. If it rained the factory flooded, and there were always pigeons in the factory as well.

“I saw the business go through some tough years, but even in those days we secured some really big orders. I remember a starch tray order coming in one day which was worth more than £1m and we all celebrated it as it was so significant.

“The previous owners allowed things to drift and we needed a new direction and a new injection of ambition, which we got when the business was bought a few years ago.

“I take great pride in our history, that we are over 110 years old were the first company in the UK to compression mould Bakelite plastic, but I also take great pride in where the business is now, the success it is having, and having played my part in that.”

Barry Davidson, managing director of Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, said: “Brian has been a dedicated, loyal and reliable employee, who equally as importantly is a kind and friendly man who has given great service to the business.

“Over the years he has stepped up to commit to working nightshifts, and that commitment and willingness to work unsociable hours, week after week, has been hugely valuable to us and greatly appreciated.

“Importantly, Brian has always been willing to share his experience and knowledge with people new to the business, taking pride in passing on his skills to the next generation.

“We of course wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his significant contribution to the business.”

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