Celebrating 50 Years of Service
This year, Darchem Engineering is proud to celebrate an incredible milestone as Sue marks 50 years of service with the business.
Sue joined Darchem on 7th June 1976 at the age of 16, starting as a junior within the Inspection department. Over the years, her career has evolved across a wide range of areas within the business, including Nuclear, Aerospace, X-Ray and Honeycomb inspection.
Walking Through the Door in 1976
Reflecting on her early days at Darchem, Sue remembers the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community across the site.
“Everyone was really very nice and welcoming and looked after me.”
Like many young people starting their first job, Sue was eager to learn. From filing inspection paperwork and identifying parts, she quickly developed an interest in the technical side of the role, learning from experienced colleagues and building the foundations of a career that would span five decades.
A Career That Evolved with the Business
Throughout her time at Darchem, Sue progressed from Junior to Inspection Checker and eventually Inspector, working across numerous departments and projects throughout the site.
Her career has included inspection work within Nuclear West, Nuclear South, Light Fabs, the Machine Shop, X-Ray and Aerospace, supporting a wide range of products and customers over the years.
Sue’s commitment to learning and development remained constant throughout her career, taking part in specialist training, radiography work and industry qualifications, helping her build extensive knowledge and experience across the business.
From Typewriters to Technology
Having spent 50 years at Darchem, Sue has witnessed significant changes in both manufacturing and workplace technology.
“When I first started, we had no computers and all drawings were hard copies. All measuring equipment was manual, whereas today everything is digital and much quicker to use.”
Day-to-day communication was also very different.
“Mobile phones were never heard of. If anybody urgently needed to get in touch with you, they phoned reception and the receptionist would shout over the Tannoy that there was an outside call waiting for you.”
From paper records and manual inspection equipment to digital systems and advanced manufacturing processes, Sue has seen the business continually evolve throughout her career.
The People Behind the Journey
When asked what has kept her at Darchem for five decades, Sue’s answer was simple – the people.
“I enjoy the work and have enjoyed the company of past and present workforce. Over the years it has been like a massive part of my life and like a family.”
The friendships, shared experiences and strong sense of community have been a defining part of Sue’s time at Darchem, creating memories that have stayed with her throughout her career.
Looking Back with Pride
One of Sue’s proudest moments wasn’t a promotion, qualification or project – it was simply walking through the Darchem doors for the very first time.
“The biggest proudest moment was when I walked through that Darchem door on the 7th of June 1976.”
Starting work gave Sue the opportunity to support the people who had raised her.
“I wanted to look after my nana and grandad now I was getting a wage; they looked after me and brought me up, so now it was my turn to look after them. I worked hard to afford driving lessons and once I passed, I could take them places on a weekend, which they loved.”
Over the years, Sue has also taken great pride in the recognition she has received from colleagues, customers and managers, as well as the skills and qualifications she gained along the way. From radiography and dye penetrant examinations to achieving her NVQ qualifications, her commitment to learning has been a constant throughout her career.
Looking back, it is these achievements, memories and relationships that have made her 50-year journey so special.
More Than a Career – A Legacy
Reflecting on reaching 50 years of service, Sue said:
“It makes me feel very proud, but old too!”
Looking back on her journey, Sue believes some things have remained constant despite the many changes she has witnessed.
“They say the only constant is change, and after 50 years I can tell you that’s true – but the importance of integrity, community, service and respect still remains exactly as it was on my first day in the hot summer of 1976.”
Today, Sue describes her journey at Darchem as:
“More than a career: it’s a legacy.”
Everyone at Darchem Engineering would like to thank Sue for her commitment and contribution to the business over the past 50 years. Reaching such an incredible milestone is a fantastic achievement, and we are proud to celebrate it with her!
