Outlasting
Very rarely do we see certain individuals work well past age 60 these days; the goal of retirement is all too present on every worker’s mind. That fact is even more evident for blue-collar workers who expend physical energy daily, which sure wears down their bodies faster over time.
Some individuals, though, make work their lives and dedicate most of their time to toiling away. Ford just highlighted one such individual: a man who has dedicated himself to his work and isn’t slowing down just yet.
Ford
60 Years at Ford
Ford in Dagenham, U.K., is celebrating one of its most dedicated (almost lifelong) employees. Eddie O’Brien first joined the Ford workforce in Dagenham in 1966, and his incredible career with Ford has outlasted 13 different Prime Ministers. He started in 1966 as an apprentice, but eventually moved to the Heavy Equipment Repair department in 1973.
O’Brien recalled that his career started at Ford, beginning with him attending the Ford Trade School. He says his first role was at the River Plant, then he moved to the Central Repair shop. He eventually became a Mechanical Maintenance Craftsman and has been in the same role ever since. He recalls one standout moment when he was asked to help with the Ford GT40 project at the Heritage Center, and they thanked him by giving him a plaque with a part from a blown GT40 engine.
The machine shop is affectionately known as “Eddie’s Shop,” and there’s even a joke that some of the tools in his shop are much older than his current workmates. Eddie says one thing he remembers well from his first day at work was that new employees in his department were tasked with building and buying their own toolboxes. He explains that back then he made $26 a week (converted) but had to spend nearly half of it building his toolbox.
Ford
Past, Present, Future
Eddie says one of the major workplace changes over the years has been improved safety. He also mentions that he’s always been a fan of the Ford brand, having had multiple models throughout his remarkable career. When asked how he stayed at it for so long, O’Brien said physical health is important, and he’s stayed fit by cycling and keeping his body moving. Sadly, he acknowledges that his time with Ford is coming to an end, stating he isn’t as flexible as he used to be, and the physicality of the job is taking its toll.
Ford
