08/06/2026
46 Years of Dedication - Celebrating Davey Gardener
This month, we’re proudly celebrating an incredible milestone for our Packed Production Director, Davey Gardener, who has dedicated 46 years to Jobling Purser. Since joining on 2nd June 1980, Davey has been a huge part of our story, and we caught up with him for a chat about his journey, memories, and what’s kept him here for nearly five decades.
• 46 years is an incredible achievement - what first brought you to the company? 🎉
My Dad was a crane driver from a depot over the road from Jobling Purser. I was looking for a job and he suggested there. Back in those days we didn’t send CVs out, so I sent letters out to a few companies in the area. I had three job offers: one for a box maker, one for metal work and one as a lab assistant (Jobling Purser). What swung the decision for me was my Dad said he could offer me a lift to Jobling Purser, so that’s where I went! I’ll never forget my first day - my boss looked out of the window and saw this crane turn up; it was my Dad who had come to pick me up! 🚛😄
• How has your role changed over the years?
It’s more challenging in that there’s increased demand for larger orders and quicker lead times. In my role as Packed Production Director, I have to be prepared, be in front of everything and forward plan the orders coming in, with the help of my team. There’s a lot to keep on top of - raw materials coming in, production, packaging, labelling. I get a great sense of achievement and a real buzz from knowing that we have seen the order through from R&D, to manufacture, to the sale at the end and being a part of that, knowing that all of the effort is really worth it. 💪
• What’s been your proudest moment during your time here? 🌟
Two things: my promotions from lab assistant to Production Manager then Director, and one of my proudest achievements is developing our Rocbinda product, which we continue to sell all over the world. 🌍 Oh and I almost forgot, a real proud moment was being awarded with a signed Newcastle football shirt last year which now hangs in our boardroom at Jobling Purser
• What do you enjoy most about leading the packed products team? 👥
Something that’s both enjoyable and can also be challenging is managing a team of 20 men. I believe I am firm, fair and friendly, and a good judge of character. My door is always open to them to discuss any problems that they may be having. I know them all on a personal level and am a firm believer in saying hello to them each day. I am a good listener and am there for them when they need me. I believe that you get the best out of your team by doing this and being a good motivator to them. I do feel respected by my team and in turn of course I respect all of them. 👍
• You’ve seen a lot of change - what’s been the biggest transformation in the business? 🔧
It’s grown so much over the years. We now have the two asphalt plants in Newcastle and Carlisle as well as our expanding Haltwhistle site. Our customer base is huge now and so is our ever-increasing product range. 📈
• Who has had the biggest influence on your career? ❤️
My wife - she’s my rock.
• Is there a funny or memorable moment that stands out over the years? 😂
There have been so many, probably some that aren’t suitable for Facebook!! One that springs to mind is our old foreman Albert Dodds, having never been to a Chinese restaurant or eaten any Chinese food. We tried to prepare him for our upcoming Xmas party, which is held at a local Chinese restaurant, by telling him every weekend to get a takeaway. So eventually he did - we asked him what he’d had for his first try of Chinese food, he said “A Spanish omelette”…… 😆
• What are you looking forward to next - at work or outside of it?
At work – some of the amazing new technology and plant that we have here now. I am looking forward to working with it more and seeing the improvements and benefits it makes. I am already seeing the benefits and really enjoying the process. ⚙️
At home – I am a big family man. I am very close to my two daughters and their husbands, and I love my grandkids. I am looking forward to watching them grow up. I am a keen gardener (I had to be with that name!), have a Koi pond and love most sports - football, motorsports - and am a keen golfer.⛳🐟🌱
“A huge congratulations on an incredible 46 years of service, Davey - thank you for your dedication, leadership, and everything you’ve contributed to the team!” 👏🎉
