Alexander Dennis has recognised the contribution made by its longest-ever serving employee, Project Manager for North America Tom Harley (pictured, left), as he retires from the business. Mr Harley has given no less than 63 years’ service to the manufacturer and its predecessors after joining Walter Alexander Coachbuilders in 1959.
Since then, he has “been a constant presence through the company’s many periods of change,” Alexander Dennis says. It credits Mr Harley for his key role during the initial development of low-floor buses in the 1990s, and for his work to build the firm’s international presence.
The latter saw Mr Harley support the Alexander Dennis customer base in Asia Pacific as well as playing a significant role in placing the Enviro500 double-decker with many customers in North America.
He has been involved in the conception and delivery of “a host of new successful” variants of the tri-axle model across the manufacturer’s export markets, and the success seen with the Enviro500 “would not have been possible without Tom’s dedication and design work,” the OEM adds.
Mr Harley’s contribution was marked at a small retirement ceremony at the Dunblane Hydro hotel, attended by colleagues past and present. Among them was Alexander Dennis President and Managing Director Paul Davies (pictured, right).
Commenting, Mr Davies says: “Tom’s contribution and commitment to Alexander Dennis over more than 60 years has been exemplary and extraordinary. His enthusiasm for innovation and keen eye for design, ability to grow long-lasting customer and supplier relationships, underpinned by an incredible work ethic, has resulted in him being a key player in the globally admired UK bus manufacturing industry.
“On a personal level, I have had the great privilege to work with Tom closely and I have been able to witness his consistent and long-lasting contribution first hand. I am proud to join our entire team in wishing him a well-deserved long and healthy retirement.”
