Rygor Commercials’ has celebrated its longest-serving team member, Steve Evans who has served 35 years with the company.  

At a recently introduced long service recognition lunch, Rygor directors celebrated employees with the business for 10 years and over.

More than 90 team members were recognised this year, with 14 serving more than 20 years with the business and one stalwart stacking up an incredible 35 years at Rygor.

Westbury service manager Steve Evans (pictured) joined the business at the age of 16, working his way up from an apprentice technician in the workshop, to leading the entire service team at the company’s headquarters.

Evans always knew he wanted to be a mechanic and applied for more than 20 apprenticeships across Wiltshire, with no luck.

He said: “My dad said I needed to get a job, so I jumped on my moped and rode up to West Wilts Industrial Estate. I came across Rygor and walked in and spoke to Barry Rygor.

“I started on the shop floor the next day and worked in the workshop for a year to ensure the commercial vehicle industry was right for me.

“The company then put me through a three-year apprenticeship to build and develop my skill set and knowledge - it was an invaluable learning process.

“The apprenticeship was very hands on and I also got to learn a great deal about the workings of the business as a whole and what it is to be part of a hard-working team. I have always felt valued and invested in here at Rygor.

“There is a strong team moral and work ethic, while to this day employee reward and recognition remain integral to the business model.

“I have had the privilege of seeing the business grow and develop over the years and have always been looked after by the company.

"I would never look outside of the business for work. I have been able to grow into my service manager position, having been supported along the way and now get to share my experiences and learnings with other team members and new managers to the business.

"It has been a fantastic career so far and I look forward to many more years at Rygor!”

Rygor’s managing director Tim Stacey said: “Steve is a real personality in our business, a smiling face and point of guidance for the rest of our team.

"He is one of those people you can always rely on and he has helped lead our Westbury service team to success, year after year.

“Myself and the Rygor Board of Directors are extremely proud that he has chosen to be an integral part of the Rygor business and we look forward to celebrating his 40-year recognition award in a few years’ time!”