Forging companies celebrate employees reaching 50-year milestones

Two metal forging companies have recognized employees reaching 50-year service milestones, highlighting the value of long-term institutional knowledge in the manufacturing sector.

In Halesowen, UK, Somers Forge celebrated machine shop inspector Kevin Woodward and supervisor Pete Hodgetts. Both are third-generation employees at the family-owned company, which supports defense and advanced engineering supply chains. Woodward has been with the business for 50 years, while Hodgetts has served for over four decades.

In Mansfield, US, Trinity Forge honored Richard Hughes and Don Moody for their 50 years of service. Hughes, who joined the company in 1976, worked his way from the forging department to the die shop and engineering. CEO John Fairbanks noted that their experience comes at a time when the United States is facing labor shortages in skilled trades.