England had just won the World Cup, Harold Wilson was the Prime Minister, and a 16-year old Eddie O’Brien was stepping into Ford on the first day of his new apprenticeship. The year was 1966, and while there have been 13 different Prime Ministers and 15 World Cup tournaments since — without another England win — Eddie O’Brien is still working at Ford.
His remarkable service was celebrated at an event in Dagenham 60 years to the day that he joined the company. His entire career since has been based at the Ford Dagenham site, which itself is celebrating a milestone this year having opened 95 years ago.
Golden Moment
Eddie receiving a golden 60 years of service certificate from Lisa Brankin, chair and managing director, Ford of Britain. He was also presented presented with a a personal letter from Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company, and received a special message from Jim Baumbick, president, Ford Europe.Eddie has spent the majority of his time at Heavy Equipment Repair, joining there in 1973. On the walls upstairs are black and white pictures of him with colleagues who have long since retired. Downstairs, in the machine shop, affectionately known as ‘Eddie’s Shop’, there are tools in his toolbox older than some of his current workmates. Before the celebrations started, we met him there to find out more about his remarkable career.
Thinking back, did you always want to work for Ford?
I actually applied for three jobs when I was young. One was working at a rubber factory in Essex that made innertubes, bicycle tyres, shoe soles and even condoms, and another was with British Gas. But the job I really wanted was with Ford and even if they were the last to get back to me, luckily, I was offered it.
What do you remember about your first day at Ford?
What sticks in my mind was getting my tools. You had to make your own toolbox back then and buy tools. I used to get paid £20 a month and ended up buying a micrometer for £5 to gauge small distances and thicknesses, so a week’s wages. I’ve still got that one at home somewhere.
We were paid in cash then. You could go to an office to get your pay, but as the plant was so big an armoured van would come around. You’d tear off the top of your timeslip, pass it through a slot and they’d pass your wages back out.
That’s very different to now. What else has changed over the years?
To start with, health and safety is significantly better now. We used to have to change a pulley on the top of one of the big cranes. It meant climbing a narrow ladder to the top and standing there hitting a rubber bush with a sledgehammer to get it out. That wasn’t for me.
As far as the nature of the job goes, it hasn’t really changed all that much. When I started in this department in 1973 though we had a brand new lathe. We replaced it last year. Now, there’s nothing still here from when I started.
Can you tell us a bit about your career at Ford?
I started out by attending the Ford Trade school in Harold Hill, doing what they called a sandwich course. My first role at Dagenham was at the River Plant then I moved to the Central Repair Garage. I got the nickname ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ when I was there as I was always going to different parts of the site to find bolts we needed, so people joked they could never find me. You know, ‘they seek him here, they seek him there’. The great thing about that though was I got to meet so many other people, which is something I’ve always enjoyed.
Then I moved here working as a Mechanical Maintenance Craftsman keeping the locomotives, tugs and other large machinery running, that move cars and vans around the site, ready to be transported to Liverpool and Scotland by rail. I’ve been here ever since.
What are the standout moments from your time at Ford?
I’ve got to work on some special projects. One was on the Le Mans Ford GT40 at the Heritage Centre. They asked me to make jigs for some repairs as they needed it urgently for TV filming, and I was given a plaque with one of the pistons from the blown-up engine on it.
But it’s the people and the camaraderie that I will miss most of all when I do eventually retire. That’s what’s made it great. I love the banter at work and I’ve worked with and met some wonderful characters. I’ve really enjoyed my career.
Was liking Ford cars any part of why you’ve stayed so long?
I’ve actually always had Fords. I’ve got a Fiesta now which is a brilliant car, but I’ve had Cortinas, Transits, Fiestas, you name it. A Sierra estate was probably my favourite, great car that. But my first love has always been motorbikes. I raced them until 1998.
My career highlight was a double win at Brands Hatch in a 175-1000cc race. I also raced an ex-works Suzuki TR500 which I still have, and I won quite a few races over the years, including a club race at Oulton Park that got me a free entry to the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man. Unfortunately, two weeks before the race I crashed in another race and broke my collar bone, so I couldn’t go.
Until recently, I had a Kawasaki 500 Enduro that I used to ride to work in all weathers, but I didn’t fancy doing that anymore, so I got rid of it.
What’s your secret to being able to stay in the job so long?
Fitness is very important to me. Even now you’re moving your body all the time, you’re active when you’re working. I took up cycling about 24 years ago, mainly doing charity events. I’ve done a few rides over 100 miles and another two 90 mile ones. It’s something I wish I’d started sooner. I still cycle, usually with one of my sons either indoors, as he’s got one of those trainers and we can go head-to-head, or out on the road.
I do like to push it, get my blood pumping and get a bit of a sweat on. I can put a lot of food away, but my weight has remained consistent all my life. I’m about half a stone heavier than when I got married.
I took up running 10 years ago and really enjoyed that until I injured my foot. Now its cycling only for me. I take my grandchildren cycling, and I made a special seat mounted on my mountain bike for my granddaughter when she was a one-year-old. She’s three now and still loves going out on it.
You certainly sound active. How long do you think you’ll keep working for?
My time at Ford is coming to an end. I’m not quite as flexible as I used to be and the job can be physically demanding. I think some of the younger guys do look after me little bit. Not too much though.
Will I still be here in a year? To be honest, I’m not sure if I will. I think you know when the moment is right and 60 years is a nice number to sign off on. I have so many memories and it will feel strange when I leave, but I won’t have trouble filling my time when I do go. The grandkids and great grandchildren will keep me busy, and I’ll be cycling whenever I can.
Poppy Mckenzie Smith works in corporate and brand communications for Ford of Britain. A lifelong car-lover, Poppy has spent her whole career in the auto industry. Growing up around classic cars sparked a love of motoring heritage that continues today, and her best Ford moment to date was learning to drive the Model T. Away from work, she enjoys driving her Mustang around the Scottish Highlands.
