Mackenzie Glass has said goodbye to Richard Thompson on his retirement after nearly 50 years with the company.
Richard started straight from school in 1973 working for Bristol-based glass processor Cashmore & Co, a forerunner of Mackenzie.
“I didn’t actually look for a job,” Richard said. “My schooling was poor, having originally come from Jamaica, but I was put to work immediately on the cutting and polishing of glass, working my way up to bevelling and operating the new machines the company invested in.
Richard said he found he could make his mark learning the new techniques that were introduced over the decades. “I actually found I was rather good with the drilling,” he continued. “It turned out that if you could drill holes accurately without breaking the glass, you are in great demand!”
Cashmore’s went through a few changes in ownership over the years, including Pilkington Glass. Cornwall Group company Mackenzie Glass acquired the site in 2017, becoming a Pilkington Regional Partner in the process. All the while, Richard stayed with the business learning the glass processing trade and helping build the merchanting business it is today.
Richard said that when he first started at Cashmore’s, he was put on glass cutting duties, which left his hands covered in cuts by the end of the first week. “Back then, safety equipment was thin on the ground, and not many people wore gloves,” he said, “We were handling the glass as though it were a piece of wood. Obviously, all that has now changed, and we use all the latest PPE at Mackenzies.”
Mackenzie Glass joint managing director Mark Herbert said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Richard at Mackenzie Glass, having the chance to tap into nearly 50 years of knowledge and experience has been invaluable. Richard is a charming chap with many stories and wise words to share.”
