CNC drill and machine operator, Jason Hilton, is the latest employee to clock up 25 years at Hill’s Panel Products (HPP), taking the number of names on the 25-year section of the firm’s long service wall of fame to 20.
Jason, who works in Board Production 1, receives a framed certificate, a commemorative plaque and a £100 reward for his long service, which he’s already spent on a couple of pairs of trendy new trainers.
The scheme recognises lengths of service in five-year increments starting at five years, with the rewards increasing with each milestone and culminating in the 25-year award.
In fact, it’s the second time in two years Jason’s benefited from the scheme. He received a £100 voucher, certificate and additional holidays to mark 20 years when the scheme was launched in 2024, particularly to recognise the 42 employees who had each given between 20- and 25-years loyal service to the family-owned, Oldham-based manufacturer and supplier to the interior fitted furniture industry.
“When the scheme was launched, I’d done 24 years, so I was one short of the 25-award, but I got the 20-award, instead,” explains Jason. “It's always been just a really a great place to work. There's a lot of great lads. I've seen a lot of good lads come and go, but even all the new lads are just as good.”
Dad-of-two Jason first joined HPP working nights as a dim (dimension) saw operative after a word-of-mouth recommendation from a family member and spent over 12 years on the night shift until it was ended around the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. He then moved to BP 1, where he took on the CNC drilling duties.
He began his working life as a painter and decorator after embarking on a YTS training scheme after leaving school, but then retrained as cabinet maker with Gledhill Kitchens on Shaw Road, in Oldham.
When that job became redundant, he moved just down the road to David Michael Interiors, where he worked for eight years before joining HPP.
HPP marketing manager, Kenika Gumbs, says: “Congratulations Jason on reaching your incredible milestone. Your dedication, passion, and hard work have truly made a difference, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our team.”
As for Jason, he says he’s no plans to go anywhere and has set his sights on a 30-year award!
