Digger-maker JCB has paid tribute to an award-winning employee who retired after more than three decades with the Staffordshire-based company.
Roy Bamford, aged 58, of Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent, stepped down as group purchasing manager at JCB World Headquarters, in Rocester, after 32 years.
It is a career which saw him travel the globe as well as win the company’s highest honour - the JCB People Awards’ ‘Spirit of JCB’ in recognition of his service to the business.
He said: "With a surname like mine it seemed like a great place to work. Unfortunately, my branch of the Bamfords are not related to the JCB family but I did have conversations with Mr JCB back in the day about our family trees.
"I have had an amazing career with JCB and worked right across the world, in the United States, India, China, Japan, Korea and most European countries.
"The highlight was moving to the United States for four years back in 2004 where we took the factory from making just backhoe loaders to producing many other machines such as Loadalls, skid-steers and special vehicles for the military."
Grandfather-of three Roy added: "Now I’ve retired, I plan to spend my time on the golf course, gardening, walking the dog and with the family."
Colleagues presented Roy with a specially commissioned JCB 3CX backhoe model and framed cartoon depicting his many travels and hobbies.
JCB Chief Operating Officer Mark Turner said: "Roy has been a great asset to JCB over the decades and is a fantastic example of professionalism and personality - which is why he was given the company’s highest honour ‘The Spirit of JCB Award’.
"He is also a true gentleman who will be missed by the team here at Rocester as well as colleagues across the globe."
