Brothers bow out but 200-years family connection continues

A family which has clocked up more than 200 years’ service with JCB has seen two of its long-serving stalwarts bid a fond farewell to the company. Roger Smith bowed out today (Friday, May 22nd) after 47 years’ service. His brother Tony retired earlier this month after 42 years. They form part of three generations of the Smith family who have served JCB over the past six decades, notching up an impressive combined family service of 213 years.

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Roger, 62, manufactured machine chassis on the famous backhoe loader production line while, Tony, 65, worked as a forklift operator. Both were based at the World HQ in Rocester. The family tradition of working at JCB began in 1959 with their father Eric, who died two years ago aged 90. He worked at JCB for 29 years, initially as a labourer and later as a Security Officer in the company’s gatehouse. Their elder brother, Dave, who was a Toolroom Manager, retired five years ago after 46 years’ service.

However the Smith family’s connection with JCB continues today as Roger, Tony and Dave’s youngest brother, Mick, is a Fabrication Manager at the World HQ and has notched up two decades of service. Dave’s son, Julian has just completed 20 years’ service and Mick’s son, Carl, has worked on the backhoe loader production line for nine years.

Roger, of Denstone, who started work in April 1968, said: “It’s been quite a journey and I have seen so many changes over the last five decades, it is hard to remember them all. I do know that JCB has been very good for my family and also the local community as a whole. I remember fondly the pioneering spirit of the early days with Mr JCB [JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford] was an ever-present figure. But it’s equally amazing to see the company now has a real global presence. My proudest moment is when Lord Bamford was knighted. That honour reflected well on everyone who worked for JCB and he made it clear that it was a real team effort.”

Tony, who lives at Sudbury, and who worked for much of his career as a welder, started at JCB in December 1972. He said: “I’ll really miss the place and definitely my colleagues. So much has changed and the company has taken great strides forward. I’ve seen the factories expand and grow and the machines get better and better.”

He added: “There are plenty of highlights but the VIP visits were always a treat. I remember Prince Philip visiting and the then Prime Minister James Callaghan in the late 1970s.”

In retirement, Roger will be celebrating 40 years of marriage to wife Susanne in November. Tony has jobs planned on his 10-acre smallholding, where he lives with his wife Gill, including looking after their four horses and three Schnauzers.