John Smylie - Four Decades of Dedication
John Smylie is Fusion’s longest-serving employee, who’s journey started with the company on 21/11/1983. Today we congratulate John on an impressive 40 years of dedicated service. 21-11-2023
We spoke to John about his 40-year service and how he felt about being Fusion’s longest-serving employee;
I joined Fusion in 1983, originally working for Allam Generators (part of Fusion) in Spares Dispatch, before moving onto an engineering role constructing generators. In 1985, I transferred across to Fusion Equipment where I was working on the CNC lathe machines producing aluminium cutters for tapping tees.
In 1987, I moved over to Fusion Plastics (which later became Fusamatic) working as an electrofusion fittings machine operator/inspector. This was in the early days of electrofusion fitting manufacturing when the product was in its infancy and the product range and technology were still being developed. As a machine operator and inspector, I worked in manufacturing, testing, bagging and boxing electrofusion fittings in multiple sizes. I worked various shifts before finally moving onto the night shift (10 pm – 6 am), which I remained on for the next 30 years.
During the 30 years working on the night shift, I was able to prioritise my family life which allowed me to take my children to school and pick them up as well as being there for dinner and bedtime.
In 2018 I decided to change direction, undertaking a new role as a Site Labourer before transitioning into my current role of Site Maintenance which is varied, challenging, and rewarding.
Fusion has been a huge part of my life for the past 40 years and I am proud to have reached this fantastic milestone. For me it has been more than just a job, it’s been a journey of growth, challenges and shared moments with a workforce that feels like family. Fusion is a great company to work for with a supportive and collaborative atmosphere backed up with good values; I have seen many developments throughout my time here, witnessing the company’s growth from the ground up – from where it started, to today, under AVK’s ownership.
If you were to ask me, what’s the secret to working for the same company for four decades this is what I would say:
There is no secret, just be passionate about your role, take pride in your work and the company and give 100% every day. I am proud to see how the company has developed into what it is today and am looking forward to seeing what the future holds both in my role and with the company.
Mark Palmer, Group Managing Director said;
'John has reached a significant landmark for which he can be extremely proud, few people serve one business for over 40 years. Fusion are indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated employee. We are absolutely delighted to be celebrating such an exceptional achievement. On behalf of everyone at Fusion I’d like to express our thanks and gratitude for his contribution and continued service over so many years.’
