Roger and Tony Smith - in for the long haul

A family which has clocked up more than 200 years' service with JCB has seen two of its long-serving stalwarts bid farewell to the company.
Roger Smith bowed out after 47 years' service, while his brother Tony retired after 42 years. They form part of three generations of the Smith family who have served JCB over the past six decades, notching up an impressive combined family service of 213 years.

Roger, 62, manufactured machine chassis on the backhoe loader production line while, Tony, 65, worked as a forklift operator. Both were based at the World HQ in Rocester.

The family tradition of working at JCB began in 1959 with their father Eric, who died two years ago aged 90. He worked at JCB for 29 years, initially as a labourer and later as a security officer in the company's gatehouse. Their elder brother, Dave, who was a toolroom manager, retired five years ago after 46 years' service.

However, the Smith family's connection with JCB continues today as the youngest brother, Mick, is a fabrication manager at the World HQ and has notched up two decades of service.

Dave's son, Julian, has just completed 20 years' service and Mick's son, Carl, has worked on the backhoe loader production line for nine years.

In retirement, Roger will be celebrating 40 years of marriage to wife Susanne in November. Tony has jobs planned on his smallholding, where he lives with his wife Gill, including looking after their four horses and three Schnauzers.