South Shields Solar Solve team clocks up 250 years of service

A South Shields family firm has reached an impressive milestone, as the team clock up 250 years of service.
Solar Solve Marine factory teamSolar Solve Marine factory team
Solar Solve Marine factory team

South Shields based Solar Solve Marine, was celebrating a milestone in the history of the family business on May 31, when the company’s three directors and 10 employees collectively accomplished 250 years of service.

Formed in 1975, the business has seen significant success, creating a global brand with a highly respected reputation in the marine industry, and winning over 20 business awards and accolades along the way.

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Solar Solve Ltd is a significant exporter having traded with 105 different countries, supplying its products to marine, aviation, cranes and mining equipment as well as business, commerce and education establishments and domestic homes.

The Solar Solve Marine boardThe Solar Solve Marine board
The Solar Solve Marine board

The current team of 13 employees at the company consists of the board of three directors, with 114 years between them, and 10 members of staff who aggregate 136 years.

The longest serving employee, Company Chairman and founder of the family business is John Lightfoot MBE, with 44 years of service. He is closely supported on the Board by his wife and business partner Lilian, Company Secretary and their daughter Julie Lightfoot MBE, Managing Director.

John commented: “I am extremely proud of Solar Solve’s numerous achievements over these many years of successful trading all over the world, in the variety of sectors that we now supply.

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“I am equally as proud of the great people who work here as part of the Solar Solve Team. It has taken many years to create but has been well worth the time and effort.”

The Solar Solve Marine admin teamThe Solar Solve Marine admin team
The Solar Solve Marine admin team

He added: “Our team of 10 members of staff, with a total of 136 years of service, have each worked an average 13 and a half years for the company. The longest serving staff members are Operations Manager, Carl Johnson and Sales & Marketing Executive Paul Hopkins, both of whom have clocked up 18 years service.

“The last two employees to join Solar Solve did so nine years ago and quickly integrated with the other team members to form the remarkable workforce that we are today.”