TruckEast lauds careers of two 40-year veterans

Scania dealer TruckEast has recognised two members of staff who have chalked up four decades at the company.  

MD John Biggin (pictured centre) handed long-service award certificates to contracts and specialist vehicle engineer Mick Witten (right) and group parts manager Robert Seery (left), both of whom are based at its Northampton depot. They joined Derek Jones Commercials - which later became one of the two founding companies of TruckEast - in the summer of 1976.

Witten, who has also worked as workshop foreman and service manager at the dealership, said: “Over the years we have seen a remarkable change in the truck market.

“I would encourage any school leaver to gain the award of master technician offered by Scania - it’s a rewarding path to start on.”

Seery, who started as a storeman in the parts department before undertaking a workshop apprenticeship, said stricter health and safety legislation and the influence of the internet have been the biggest changes in the industry over the past 40 years.

“Everything is so different compared to when I started out,” Seery said. “One of the things I would say to people looking to get into the industry is that a willing attitude will get you a long way.”

This article was published in the 2 August issue of Commercial Motor. Why not subscribe to get 12 issues for just £12?