Pump expert retires after reaching half-century milestone
A North East pump engineer finally hung up his tools when he retired after 50 years of service.
Chris Lumsden joined pump distributor and manufacturer Tomlinson Hall as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1974 and has worked for the Billingham-based company ever since.
Chris, who held the role of mechanical pump engineer when he retired, started as a mechanical fitter in the company’s original premises in Stockton-on-Tees.
Chris worked his way up the company, and over the last five decades he has used his experience to train new apprentices, brought his expertise to some of the company’s largest pump installation projects, and been an integral part of the workshop team.
Among Chris’s first duties were chopping wood for the workshop’s fire and filling the workshop’s coke bins every morning.
Commenting on his 50 years with Tomlinson Hall, Chris Lumsden said: “I feel very fortunate to have been employed all of my life, and I have really enjoyed my time with Tomlinson Hall.”
Colin Simpson, Business Development Director at Tomlinson Hall, added: “Chris is a typical ‘grafter’. He loved to work hands-on with equipment and get his head down, and he inspired the younger members of our team, who really looked up to him. He has passed down his knowledge to the next generation, which is absolutely invaluable.
“There’s no doubt that he has made a huge contribution to getting the company to where it is today. We wish him all the very best for his retirement and thank him for 50 years of impeccable service.”
