• ATR
• 29/12/2015

ATR GROUP BID A FOND FAREWELL TO ONE OF ITS LONGEST-SERVING EMPLOYEES

ATR Group bid a fond farewell to one of its longest-serving employees this week when commercial supervisor Joe Baird hung up his suit and tie for the last time after 33 years in the business.

Colleagues from across ATR Lifting Solutions wished 64-year-old Joe all the very best after he marked his final day with the firm and was presented with match tickets for an Aberdeen Football Club game of his choice by ATR chief executive Keith Moorhouse.

From his early days as an area accountant, Joe rose through the ranks to branch manager of the Marine section, management accountant and eventually commercial supervisor in the Bridge of Don base.

"The North Sea was still a relatively young industry when I started out back in 1982. I had been working in Glasgow but wanted to come home to Aberdeen and I saw a position advertised in the paper," said Joe.

"The company already worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and there was a real buzz around the city about the opportunities the oil sector was bringing. For me, it just felt like a natural fit."

Over the years, Joe has become a stalwart of the commercial department and a trusted mentor for younger members of staff. He has also experienced his fair share of ups and downs as the industry, the company and his role within it have evolved.

"We were only just beginning to use computers when I first joined. That has been one of the biggest differences in terms of the speed and sophistication of service we are able to provide our customers today," he said.

"It's a very different operation today than the one I joined in terms of the products and scope but I've enjoyed every minute of it and am very grateful to all of my colleagues and to ATR Group for the career that I have had.

An avid football fan, as well as enjoying his AFC tickets, Joe is looking forward to spending his retirement with his wife and children.

"Joe has been an outstanding addition to the ATR family over the years and we thank him for all his years of hard work and dedication to the company," added Mr Moorhouse.

"We're very proud of Joe and wish him a very happy and healthy retirement."