Gerry Buckley, factory manager at A Plus Aluminium’s residential factory in Sandy, Bedfordshire, is celebrating 30 years with the company.
Having joined A Plus aged 19, Gerry started out on the factory floor, crimping. He then worked his way through the various sections, gaining experience in all areas of fabrication, A Plus stated. His first experience of management came when he was appointed charge hand for the cut and prep section. Later, Gerry headed up a move to new premises, setting up an additional fabrication plant and team in Harpenden.
Most recently, Gerry’s service has been recognised with his appointment as Sandy factory manager, a statement said. He was tasked with opening a new dedicated residential fabrication plant and storage facility in Sandy, Bedfordshire.
Gerry said: “It was an empty shell and massive. We needed everything – electrics, airlines, machinery, racking… it was a big job, but I relished it. The faith and trust that Steve and Jon (co-directors of A Plus) put in me is hugely flattering.
“As Sandy factory manager it was also down to me to use my knowledge and experience to organise the production flow and ensure everything was set-up just right.”
That was just over three years ago. Today, A Plus Midlands’ Sandy factory is committed to producing aluminium windows, doors, bi-folds and patio doors for the company’s trade residential customers, with eight window and door products available from stock.
Gerry added: “I am immensely proud of what I have achieved in my 30 years with A Plus and I am grateful for the opportunities the company continues to provide. It’s a rewarding industry which is ever evolving, with new products and technology, I urge anyone to consider a career in fenestration.”
Jon Palethorpe, co-managing director for A Plus Aluminium, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working team, and Gerry is a perfect example of this. His contribution over the past 30 years has helped A Plus expand and develop into the business we are today – one of the largest trade suppliers in the industry.
“In three years, he has established A Plus Midlands as one of the country’s most dependable manufacturers of high-quality aluminium windows and doors supplying our trade residential customers. The directors and I thank him for his continued service and commitment.”
