Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today recognised the contribution of its longest-serving team member, Tom Harley, after a staggering 63 years of loyal service to the business and to the global bus manufacturing industry.
Tom joined Walter Alexander Coachbuilders, the Scottish bus manufacturer which was to become one of the constituent parts of Alexander Dennis, in 1959 and has been a constant presence through the company’s many periods of change since then.
As Engineering Manager, he played a key role as the industry developed low floor technology in the 1990s and he has been fundamental to the growth of the business internationally, working tirelessly to conceive and deliver a whole host of new successful Enviro500 variants across the company’s export markets, most recently as Project Manager for North America.
Tom’s accolades include supporting the company’s customer base in Asia Pacific, as well as playing a major role in transforming the transit landscape in North America by converting new customers to high-capacity double deckers. Alexander Dennis’s success in international markets and the company’s resulting global leadership for double deck buses would not have been possible without Tom’s dedication and design work.
The company recognised Tom’s exceptional contribution at a small retirement event held at the Dunblane Hydro hotel, attended by colleagues past and present who worked closely with Tom over the years and hold him in highest regard.
President and Managing Director Paul Davies said: “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 and commitment, 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 have been able to witness his consistent and long-lasting contribution at first hand. I am proud to join our entire team in wishing him a well-deserved long and healthy retirement.”
