OVER 1,000 colleagues and customers recently came together to mark Finning UK and Ireland’s 90th anniversary.
The firm’s Staffordshire HQ was the location as employees past and present, their families and customers celebrated the milestone.
Finning International president & CEO Kevin Parkes made the trip over from Canada to join the celebrations alongside Tim Ferwerda, UK MD, and members of the company’s executive team and their families.
The event was the last in a series of roadshows organised by Finning to celebrate the anniversary, with four UK and Ireland branches hosting events for their own staff, families and customers. The celebrations kicked off in Glasgow in May, followed by events in Dublin, Leeds and Llantrisant. In all, over 2,000 employees and customers who have worked for and with Finning over the years have been a part of the festivities.
Around 70 volunteers helped organise activities on the day including workshop tours, supporting machine, genset and engine displays, as well as helping with a range of children’s activities including a treasure hunt, face painting, inflatable games and arts & crafts.
Visitors also had the chance to get a first-hand look at some of the machines Finning sells, including a Cat 730 ADT that had been rebuilt by the team at Glasgow to give it a second lease of life.
Attendees also got the chance to try out a simulator with SITECH software. There were two mini machine challenges where visitors could put their operator skills to the test. Among the display of bespoke-wrapped equipment organised by the graphics team, there was a Spider-Man themed mini machine as well as an interactive sticker wall for children to enjoy.
Members of the Finning Learning & Development team were on hand to promote STEM careers which included running an activity for children to build ‘Finnbots’. Members of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets from the local Brownhills 1444 Squadron showcased opportunities for potential new recruits. Visitors also had the chance to learn about the Finning apprenticeship scheme.
Finning customer, JC Balls and Sons Ltd from Ashbourne, donated two vintage Cat machines which took pride of place on the forecourt. Another customer, ASHBROOK, donated a custom-finished silver Cat 308 which had the trademark yellow replaced with a one-off silver vinyl to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Tim Ferwerda said, “What a lovely day it was, with so many colleagues, customers and their families coming together in celebration, whilst we showcased everything that’s great about the Finning brand and our people-centric culture. I was proud of how we came together as a team to create such a positive employee and customer experience. Huge thanks and well done to everyone involved for pulling together an awesome event.”
