Fix Auto Oswestry celebrates 450 years of service

A group of long-serving members of Fix Auto Oswestry have collectively clocked up more than 450 years’ service with the company – which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Hitch family who own and manage the multi-site operation.

Incredibly, 30% of the 50-strong workforce have recorded 20 years’ service or more.

Operations director Richard Edwards leads the way with 45 years’ service, one more than painter Peter Haywood, while panel technician Neil McArdle has clocked up 41 years.

Painters Gary Staley and Paul Robertson have each served the business for 35 and 32 years respectively, receptionist Wendy Williams has worked for the company for 32 years meanwhile MET Peter Morris and current managing director Lee Hitch complete the line-up of those who have worked for the business for more than three decades.

In addition, driver Roy Millington (27 years), parts manager Karl Evans (23 years), valeter Mike Talbot, bodyshop manager Neil Andrews and Gary Edwards, parts manager at the company’s sister site in Wrexham, have all clocked up 22 or more years.

The family, who next month will also celebrate the 50^th anniversary since Robin Hitch founded the repair business, marked the phenomenal achievement as part of its on-going celebrations to mark its golden celebrations.

Lee Hitch said: “There can’t be many repairers in the country who can honestly say their core team have collectively recorded 450 years, that’s an incredible amount of experience and even before we add my dad Robin, who founded the business 50 years ago and is still regularly on the shopfloor, and my mum, Ann, who has been by his side working in accounts right until Covid.”