A WORKER at a Derby engineering firm is celebrating after racking up half a century of loyal service.
George Ball, of Oakwood, joined Davis Derby as an engineering apprentice in August 1964 at the tender age of 15.
Today, Mr Ball, 65, is services manager at the firm and is showing no signs of wanting to retire.
He decided to become an apprentice with Davis Derby after turning down jobs at the Gas Board and Rolls-Royce.
Mr Ball said: "I remember my first day at the site, which is now the location of the Park Bikeworks.
"My first job was cleaning castings. I went home looking like a chimney sweep."
After completing his apprenticeship, Mr Ball worked his way through the ranks to foreman and then works manager. His role today includes training and personnel.
He said: "The training at Davis Derby was always considered the best and it still is today.
"I've enjoyed watching young people join the organisation and growing into managers.
"There are four apprentices here and I'm proud of each of them. I really enjoy seeing the young apprentices come through the ranks as I did."
Davis Derby was established in 1842 and located in Amen Alley.
Now in Chequers Lane, it is a world leader in the design and manufacture of communication systems, electronic control and monitoring equipment and software and data logging systems for the mining industry.
Established more recently, its TruckLog division is a European leader in the provision of fleet management technology for the forklift truck industry.
The company's reputation and export sales continue to flourish based on technology and service provided by its skilled and loyal workforce.
The average length of service at Davis Derby is 24 years – something the firm says is testament to its staff development.
Gerry Beetles, executive chairman of Davis Derby, said: "George is a credit to our company and, without the dedication of people like him, we wouldn't be world leaders in our industry.
"The success of our business is based on our people and their valuable contribution.
"We are a company steeped in heritage and we use that experience to develop our products for the future."
