The sad passing of former Emplas Operations Director Steve Johnson, was announced last week.
Born, raised, and educated in Kettering, Steve left school in 1967, at the age of 15, to join Charles Wicksteed Engineers as an apprentice wood machinist.
In 1972, Steve joined the 40 Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines – a light infantry unit made up of some of the toughest marines, before moving on to the 45 Commando Unit.
Steve served for 17 distinguished years achieving a multitude of accolades, including many tours of duty, notably Northern Ireland, and the training of Elite Marines in Arctic Combat. He was also part of the Marines Equestrian Show Jumping team.
Steve joined Emplas in 1989, as Operations Director, working closely with the company’s founder and his brother, Kevin Johnson.
Over 14 years, Steve led the business through key milestones, including our BS 5750 certification in 1991. In 1992, Steve was instrumental in Emplas being one of the first in the UK to achieve the BS 7412 Kitemark alongside other national window companies (only 22 companies achieved this).
Steve also single-handedly planned and delivered our factory relocation from Brunel Close, which consisted of four separate factories, to Huxley Close in April 2001 — an incredible achievement that shaped the Emplas we know today.
Away from work, Steve was a much-loved family man. He married his wife, Marie, in November 1974, and they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary last November. He was a proud father to his son; Ben, and daughter; Lauren. He was also a proud Grampy to Zachary, Isabella and Harper.
Those of you who were fortunate to have known or worked with Steve will understand the meaningful legacy he leaves behind. Emplas has lost one of its own.
Steve was a Royal Marine and an Emplas leader in every sense of the word, but above all, he was a proud, devoted, loving family man. Kevin Johnson describes Steve as “the best brother a man could ever have.”
