A housing developer has praised the ‘outstanding’ work of two employees who have dedicated a combined total of 50 years to the company.
Mike Hillbeck, 64, and Stuart Brown, 55, have both worked for Russell Armer Homes, based in Kendal, Cumbria, for 25 years.
Mike joined Russell Armer as a site manager, and he has overseen the construction of hundreds of new homes.
The first development he worked on as site manager was a 45-unit project at Esthwaite Green, in Kendal, in 1996 and he is currently leading the project to build 78 new homes in Oakfield Park, in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Mike said: “Everybody always wanted to work for Russell Armer Homes because of its great reputation, and I’m pleased to have been able to work here for so long. Russell Armer is a brilliant company to work for, and I love working here.”
Stuart was employed by Russell Armer 25 years ago as a buyer for the company, and he has worked his way up to the integral position of sales and purchasing manager.
His role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including advising on the specification of homes and which products are used on housing developments.
Stuart said: “Being someone who has always lived locally, I am proud to work for a company which makes a big difference to the community by building a quality product and bringing top range homes to the area.
“I am passionate about making sure we build the right products in the right places, creating great communities in the process, and that is something we definitely achieve here.”
Earlier this year, Russell Armer Homes, which was established in 1961, was acquired by Penrith-based homebuilder Genesis Homes in a deal which brought together two of the leading housing developers in the North West.
The amalgamation has created excitement among staff about what the future will bring for both companies.
Stuart said: “Combining the experience of the Russell Armer team with the innovative ideas from Genesis Homes can only be a winning formula.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of becoming Group Purchasing Manager and playing my role in bringing together the expertise within both companies.”
Mike and Stuart were presented with gifts and mementoes as a thank you for their long service during ceremonies organised by the Russell Armer management team.
Managing director Nicky Gordon said: “We are so thankful to the long service Mike and Stuart have dedicated to the company, and they have played crucial roles in developing Russell Armer Homes into the well-respected company it is today.
“We owe a great deal of gratitude for their excellent work ethic, outstanding quality of work and high level of expertise, and we can’t thank them enough for the great jobs they do day in, day out.”
