Grandfather clocks up 50 years of working at South Shields firm

A South Tyneside grandfather has celebrated a working milestone after clocking up 50 years of service with the same company.
Harlow Printing worker Ken Flood celebrates 50 years of working for the companyHarlow Printing worker Ken Flood celebrates 50 years of working for the company
Harlow Printing worker Ken Flood celebrates 50 years of working for the company

As a 15-year-old, Ken Flood left school and applied for a labouring job with Harlow Printing.

His interview was at 11.30am and he was employed by 1.15pm that same day.

Harlow Printing worker Ken Flood celebrates 50 years of working for the companyHarlow Printing worker Ken Flood celebrates 50 years of working for the company
Harlow Printing worker Ken Flood celebrates 50 years of working for the company
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And now, half a century later, he is celebrating a special anniversary with the firm, based in Maxwell Street, South Shields.

To mark the occasion, Ken was treated to a slap-up lunch at Bravi with family and work colleagues.

Over the years, he has worked his way up to become a Print Finishing Manager, meeting his wife Alison along the way, who also worked for the firm when they met.

The grandfather-of-six said: “I had wanted to win the pools when I left school as it was only the docks or the pits as jobs when I was younger and I didn’t fancy either.

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“I saw the company were looking for labourers. so I applied. My interview was at 11.30am and by 1.15pm I was given the job.

“When I first started I had no idea I would still be here all these years on. I thought it might have just been a stepping stone.

“But then the family came along and it was a good company to work for and there was good job security.

“Over the years I got to know everybody and I progressed in my role and it’s just a great family company to work for.”

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The 66-year-old, from South Shields, has been joined in the company by his son David, following a stint in the Navy. He is currently a site manager in Simonside.

Mr Flood added: “It has turned into a real family affair for me. I met my wife Alison, who worked in the office and now my son works here.

“The company has been really good to me over the years. I reached my retirement age and I ended up staying - there’s no rush for me to leave.”

Harlow Printing has been operating in South Shields where it was founded since 1947.

It has grown from providing print products locatlly to become a national supplier and distributor.