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50 Years Unbroken Service!
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50 Years Unbroken Service! - 18/08/2009
On 10 August 2009 John Holyoak celebrated 50 years unbroken service with Thorpe Kilworth. John joined the then J T Thorpe back in 1959 as a 15 year old and went on to do his apprenticeship the following year when he turned 16.
J T Thorpe was based in Great Glen in those days and John spent those early days working in the factory and out on the road fixing.
“Cupboard construction was very different in those days” John explained. “There was no MDF and chipboard was only just coming in. Carcasses were made up of solid timber and softwood with a plywood outer skin. All worktops were made of solid timber as well. As chipboard got better we started to lip the edges and then do our own veneering.”
When J T Thorpe moved from Great Glen to Wigston, John was responsible for setting up the Wigston factory. He went on to do the same when Thorpe moved from Wigston to Corby in 2007.
“I’ve seen a great many changes in our manufacturing processes over the years as well as the expansion of the company, particularly in the last 10-12 years, which has culminated in our move to Corby. There have been lots of ups and some downs and I have enjoyed my time here and made a great many friends.”
Well done John – 50 years service is a great achievement!