Transport manager Trevor Ross, one of the longest-serving employees at Hill’s Panel Products (HPP), is retiring after 30 years with the company.
Ross, 68, has been HPP’s transport manager for the last five years, having first joined the supplier as an HGV driver just five years after the company was founded.
“I’ve had a fabulous 30 years at Hill’s,” Ross commented, “I’ve seen the firm grow, and grow, and grow. Fair play to them – 10 out of 10 for what they’ve done and it’s great to have been part of it.
“Stephen and Martin [Hill] have brought in the right people who know what they’re doing. Keith Wardrope [HPP’s MD] made a massive impact on the business as far as I’m concerned and now there’s younger directors coming through like Gareth [Evans] Andy [Evans] and Dan [Mounsey] who are progressing the company now.”
Prior to working at HPP, Ross also enjoyed an illustrious Football League career as a midfielder, having played for Arsenal, Everton, Portsmouth, Sheffield United and finally Bury, where he decided to change career after an injury.
According to Ross, it was his connection with the sport that led to his new life at HPP, explaining: “After I finished playing, my sponsor at Bury, Tony Noonan, called me up and asked me what I was doing on Saturday morning. I said I had no plans, so he said ‘get yourself down to Manchester Training Centre, you’re going for your class one licence and then you’re coming working for me!’”
Ross says he celebrated his retirement with a holiday to Italy with his wife of 37 years, Debbie. Post-retirement, he is now looking forward to some ‘me time’, which will involve trips to the gym three or four times a week, working in his garden, walking, and continuing to look after his two grandchildren, Aria and Amelia.
““From the pitch to the yard, Trevor has always been a team player,” added Keith Wardrope, HPP managing director. “Many will know him from his days as a professional footballer, but to us at Hill’s Panel Products, he’s been a captain behind the scenes – dependable, passionate, and full of heart.
“His loyalty, hard work, and unwavering commitment have helped shape who we are today, and his presence will be deeply missed by us all. Trev, your dedication has left a lasting legacy. On behalf of everyone at HPP, thank you for everything. We wish you the very best in your retirement, and remember, legends never truly leave. You’ll always be part of the HPP family!”