August 2009: Celebration of 25 years of Service
Nortrak recently recognized 25 years of service and presented four employees of the Richmond plant and corporate office with rings at a recent Employee Appreciation Lunch.
Keith Barlow began his career at Nortrak on November 14, 1983. He was one of the first hires at Nortrak hired by Al Tuningley and worked in our Engineering department out of a small trailer on the Richmond property. Always willing to assist the company in its growth and prosperity, Keith agreed to move down to Birmingham Alabama when Nortrak built the Birmingham plant and spent several years there working with developing the Q. A. program then moved into the Sales department before returning to Canada as the Estimating Manager.
In the early years, Keith was a fixture at all of Richmond’s special events where he Emceed each function, bringing his dry wit and humor to the proceedings.
Over the years Keith has been an avid curler and most recently away from the office means rest and relaxation at his property in Point Roberts .
Keith was recognized on July 24, 2009 for his dedicated years of service to Nortrak at the Richmond Plant’s Employee Appreciation Day Celebrations where he was presented with his 25 Year ring by Tom Trautman, Plant Manager. We appreciate everything that Keith has done and continues to do for Nortrak and the Sales Departments.
Tony Amenta began his career with Nortrak on January 11, 1984 and has been, and continues to be an integral part of maintaining the Nortrak plant and has, throughout the years, been considered as Nortrak’s Fixture Specialist.
Tony is an avid hunter especially with the bow and arrow as he likes the challenge the sport offers. He also hones his craft with his other hobby of making bows, which he gives to his friends and sells to others.
Tony, a family man and husband of 27 years to Teresa with children Stephanie and Anthony, continues to maintain strong family ties with other family members who still reside in Italy.
When presented with his 25 Year ring by Tom Trautman, Plant Manager of the Richmond Plant, Tony was heard to say, “You know I don’t wear jewelry, but if the ring has a Range Finder built in, that would be great.” Just goes to show Tony’s love of hunting runs deep.
Malcolm MacLennan started with VAE Nortrak Ltd., Richmond division on January 27, 1984 and held several positions before becoming a machinist in 1995. Malcolm has operated the SNK machine since then and is now considered Malcolm’s machine by his peers.
Over his 25 years Malcolm has been a versatile & reliable employee able to operate the Line` 2 and Transition machines. The proverbial jokester, Malcolm keeps his fellow employees entertained on a daily basis. In addition, Malcolm was recognized this year for six years of Perfect Attendance.
Avtar Deol, a ticketed machinist started at Nortrak, Richmond Division on February 20, 1984. He came to Nortrak when Al Tuningley bought our Cleveland machine at an auction at Kockums Machinery which was closing down. At the sale, they had employees talking to potential buyers about the machines and Avtar spoke to Russ Duncan, Nortrak Plant Manager. During that conversation, Avtar asked Russ if Nortrak was looking for employees. Russ said maybe and that he would get back to Avtar. Al tried to put a bid on another machine but was unsuccessful and all that was left was the Cleveland. So Al bought the Cleveland and a few weeks later Avtar got a call from Russ Duncan offering him a job. So the Cleveland arrived and so did Avtar. The employees still laugh that Cleveland is the only machine in the company that ever came with its own operator”. In 1989 Avtar started his new role as a Maintenance Machinist and has been instrumental in maintaining the Richmond plant’s machinery ever since.
A devoted family man Avtar and his wife Kulwant have raised their two children Sunny and Parveen, and these days when he is not at work his is kept busy with his grandchildren.
Congratulations to Keith, Tony, Malcolm and Avtar on your 25 years of service with Nortrak. Your dedication and the level of service that you have given in the past and continue to give today are truly appreciated.
