A TECHNICAL yarn and fabric company will say a fond farewell to two long standing employees with a combined service record of 85 years.

Allan Taylor, 62, worked his last shift at Aptec Products Limited in West Auckland, County Durham, today (Thursday, November 27) after 44 years and nine months at the company, originally known as Scandura Ltd.

Mr Taylor started out in the textile sector for the first 20 years of his career before transferring the mixing plant, where he later became a team leader.

Trevor Robinson, meanwhile, will leave on Thursday, December 18, after 40 years and eight months in the job.

The 59-year-old began as a sheeting weaver but later learned all aspects of Weaving, as well as becoming a reliable multi-skilled operator throughout many sections of the business.

Ian Hodgson, managing director, said: “Both employees have been with us for over 40 years which is a remarkable achievement to which they have shown loyalty and steadfastness.

It would be most unusual in a modern industrial scenario for such an achievement to be matched.

“I can only, on behalf of the directors of Aptec Products Limited, give my sincere thanks for their support over the years and wish them a long and happy retirement.”