Kathy Chaplin has worked for BITA for 21 years

The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) will bid farewell to its technical administration co-ordinator who is retiring after 21 years' service.

Kathy Chaplin started working for BITA in February 1987 as a secretary and her skills in administration and her in-depth technical knowledge saw her create a unique role within the organisation.

Chaplin says she will miss the people the most. "My colleagues here at BITA, the members themselves, and the many people I have got to know within the industry have all been wonderful to work with.

"The industry has changed tremendously since I joined. BITA can certainly claim some credit for this, as well as the many professional and dedicated people working within the forklift industry today."

Chaplin's role involved liaising between members, affiliated groups and technical organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and the British Standards Institute (BSi), monitoring the content of key documents and ensuring they were distributed to appropriate members.

She says that her role had evolved over time. "I certainly didn't expect it to become so specialised when I applied in 1987. However, working at BITA gave me an insight into standards and legislation, and eventually led to the role becoming what it is now.

"I'm not an engineer but I am an expert in the technical procedures needed to ensure standards are met."

James Clark, BITA's secretary-general, says, "Kathy's been with BITA nearly 22 years, and she will be a very hard act to follow. Her loyalty and dedication to BITA are highly valued, and we wish her a very long, happy and well-deserved retirement."