Long-Serving Toolmaker Announces His Retirement
Goodbye, Terry Spinks
One of RP Technologies’ longest-serving members of staff has announced his retirement.
Terry Spinks, who joined RP on 6th October 2008, is to retire on 18th October 2024, bringing to an end his sixteen-year stint with the company.
Terry has produced high quality work for RP for many years as one of our most experienced toolmakers. During this time, Terry has helped to craft some of the most innovative and complex tools we’ve produced. These tools have supplied parts to the automotive, aerospace, and medical sectors, as well as many other industries.
Last year, RP celebrated the manufacture of its 2000th tool. People like Terry are the reason why we have been so successful for so long. His loyalty, good work, and willingness to support his fellow toolmakers has enabled RP to produce high quality tooling within very competitive lead times.
In addition to his own work, Terry has always been willing to support the younger members of our team. He has imparted his knowledge, offered guidance, and has helped many of our apprentices over the years to grow and develop as young toolmakers. Many of these apprentices have now gone on to have very successful careers in the toolmaking industry.
Terry is now looking forward to having a bit of time for himself. When asked how he was planning to spend his retirement, Terry said: “The big thing we would like to do is move house. We are planning to buy a property over in Wales. It’s a beautiful part of the world and I have always wanted to live by the sea. In the short term, I’m just looking forward to not having to get up and brave the winter weather early in the morning.”
Terry has a wife and three daughters. He also has quite a few grandchildren. “I have five grandchildren whom I see regularly, but, in total, I have fifteen grandchildren.”
When reflecting on his time at RP, Terry said: “You couldn’t find a better place to work than RP. I’ve enjoyed my time here. I’ve particularly enjoyed the many social events that we’ve had – the Christmas parties, climbing Ben Nevis and Mount Snowdon, the Butlins weekend. But I’ve also just enjoyed being around the guys on the shopfloor.”
Terry added: “I’m very grateful to Darren and Lisa. They’ve given me an opportunity to work here for such a long time. In today’s world, that’s not something you can take for granted.”
Darren Withers, Director, was quick to pay tribute to Terry’s contribution to the company. He said: “Terry has served RP with great distinction during his time here. To complete 16 years of service with a single employer is a wonderful achievement.
Terry has been a key part of our toolmaking team and has played a central role in the manufacture of many tools for our customers.
We would like to thank him for his contribution, and to wish him a very happy retirement.”
Terry – from everyone at RP, we wish you all the very best!