Richard welds together impressive 25-year career

JMF Ltd recognised the impressive milestone achieved by Richard Brown last week with a special presentation.

Mr Brown started his working life at the firm aged 17 as an apprentice welder and fabricator.

The 42-year-old has risen steadily through the ranks and is now a fabrications manager.

He is in charge of the welders and welding at the JMF plant .

Reflecting on his polished career, Mr Brown said: “I’ve greatly enjoyed my time here and it’s hard to believe it’s 25 years since I started.

“I’m very pleased, for I’m the only one in the company to celebrate this milestone. I’m still here and I’m still enjoying it.

Mr Brown said he has noticed big changes at the company.

When he joined there was only six members of staff and now there is a 270-strong workforce.

The company’s successful expansion has also mirrored Mr Brown’s desire to improve his career.

He has successfully gained a number of skills including an NVQ Level 3 qualification.

Mr Brown said: “I’ve been interested in going forward and making myself better.”

JMF Ltd creates metal products for local firms and companies across Northern Ireland, including FG Wilson and Wright Bus.

The company was so impressed by the valuable contribution made by Mr Brown that it gave him a cheque in recognition of his service.

Mr Brown lives in Ballymoney with his wife and two children.

He intends to use the money to buy something special to recognise his distinguished career at JMF Ltd.

Mr Brown joined the firm after leaving Ballymoney High School and could not imagine working anywhere else.

He added: “I hope to stay and don’t intend to move on. I just simply enjoy working here.”

“We’re really busy at the minute and trying to grasp as much business as we can.”

JMF Ltd was established in 1983 and has grown to be one of the largest metal fabrication sub-contractors in Ireland and the UK.

Having heavily invested in the latest machinery the firm is equipped to handle high volumes.

And investment over the years in high technology equipment has kept JMF at the cutting edge.

JMF’s ability to finish products and deliver to its customers’ sites using its own transport fleet enables it to cater to the needs of some of the largest companies in the industry.

JMF, through excellent management and forward planning, has weathered the storm of the recession and production has increased exponentially.

Its renowned trailer business, Concept Trailers, has also grown and is currently producing 25 trailers per week.