Leyland Trucks celebrates 1,910 years of service as employees mark career milestones

The achievement recognises the generations of skilled people who have helped establish the Lancashire business as one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.

The recognition comes as Leyland Trucks celebrates 130 years of truck manufacturing in the town, with its workforce continuing to design and build DAF trucks for customers across the UK and international markets.

Among the 66 employees recognised for their long service this year were 27 celebrating 25 years, five marking 40 years and two reaching an exceptional 50 years with the business.

Colleagues attended the celebration at the Delta Hotel, Preston, where they were joined by senior leaders for an evening recognising their contribution and commitment.

As the UK's only volume truck manufacturer, Leyland Trucks plays a central role in DAF's manufacturing operations, producing the full range of DAF commercial vehicles at its world-class facility.

The company builds diesel and battery electric DAF trucks within the same advanced, mixed-model production environment, combining more than a century of manufacturing expertise with continued investment in new technologies, engineering capabilities and the skills needed for the future of commercial vehicle production.

For many employees, Leyland Trucks has provided far more than a job, with careers spanning decades, opportunities to progress into new disciplines and, in some cases, multiple generations of the same family working within the business.

One of those recognised this year was Craig Jardine, who joined Leyland Trucks as an apprentice and has spent four decades witnessing the transformation of truck manufacturing first-hand.

Now working as a Facilities and Maintenance Shift Engineer, Craig began his career as a fitter before gaining experience across production and maintenance, eventually progressing into a supervisory role.

Craig said: “When I joined Leyland Trucks as an apprentice, a family friend told me I had a job for life. At the time, I don't think I really understood what that meant, but 40 years later, it couldn't ring more true.

“I've seen the business change enormously over those years, from the way we built trucks back then to the technology and investment we have today. But one thing that's never changed is the people. There's a real family feeling here. You get to know colleagues across every department, and those relationships stay with you.

“I've had opportunities to work in different areas, learn new skills and progress throughout my career. I've never looked at going anywhere else, and I think that says everything about what makes Leyland Trucks such a special place to work.”

Also celebrating a 25-year long-service milestone was Sally Blamire, who began her career on reception before progressing into her current role as Health, Safety and Environmental Coordinator.

For Sally, the ability to develop professionally while balancing family commitments has been central to her experience.

She said: “I've loved my time at Leyland Trucks and feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside such amazing colleagues, many of whom have become good friends.

“I started on reception, a role I absolutely loved, and throughout my career the business has supported me in balancing work and family life while bringing up my children. Now they're grown up, I've had the opportunity to take on new challenges and develop my career further.

“One of the things I value most is the encouragement to keep learning. I've recently enrolled to go back to college, something I never imagined I'd do, and I'm really excited about what comes next."

The celebration highlights the importance of retaining specialist manufacturing expertise at a time when the commercial vehicle industry is undergoing significant technological change.

Leyland Trucks continues to invest in apprenticeships, technical training and professional development, helping employees build long-term careers across manufacturing, engineering, technology and other business functions. As part of the wider PACCAR group, employees can also access opportunities for collaboration and career development across its international operations, including DAF's European manufacturing network.

Phil Jones, Managing Director of Leyland Trucks, said: "Recognising almost 2,000 years of combined service is a remarkable milestone and says a great deal about the people and culture we have here.

"As we celebrate 130 years of truck manufacturing in Leyland, it's worth remembering that our success has always been built on the knowledge, commitment and expertise of our people. Some of our colleagues have spent their entire working lives here, passing on skills and experience that cannot be replicated overnight.

"We're incredibly proud of the role we play within DAF's manufacturing network, producing trucks that operate on roads across the UK and internationally. The scale and sophistication of our operation today reflects generations of employees who have helped the business evolve, innovate and raise standards. Many have built entire careers here, moving between disciplines, developing new skills and passing on their knowledge and experience, with some families spanning generations of service."

"As we look ahead to the next chapter of DAF truck manufacturing, retaining that experience while developing the next generation of talent will be just as important as investing in new technologies. These awards are our opportunity to recognise and thank the people who make that possible."