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Brighouse local Celebrates 50 Years at Interface

Global Carpet Tile Manufacturer’s Longest Serving Employee Reaches Special Milestone

Shelf based carpet tile manufacturer Interface is today celebrating its longest serving employee reaching a golden milestone.  Customer Services Team Leader Mike Halliwell, who was born and raised in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, has given 50 years of service to Interface and continues to work part time for the company.

65-year-old Mike joined Interface on 20th August 1962, back when the company was called Firth Carpets and based at Bailiff Bridge near Brighouse.  Mike was just 15 years old when he started and was given an entry-level role in the general administration department.

Over a number of years, Mike worked his way up to the pricing department, looking after order processing and pricing. His role was vital in making sure that the factory had the correct information to produce its carpet – no easy task during the 60s, when everything was done manually and nothing was computerised.

During the 1970’s Mike was made head of the pricing department and helped to install the company’s very first Order Entry and invoicing computer systems. In this role, Mike supported the successful supply and fit team during the time that Firth Carpets was acquired by US based manufacturer, Interface.

Following various roles within the company, Mike moved over to Interface’s European Headquarter in Shelf, Halifax to become a team leader for customer services.  In the late 1990’s and to 2002, Mike was part of a team which integrated the Firth Carpets systems into the Interface ones for the Millennium 2000 compliance. As the company’s customer service teams relocated to Shelf Mike was praised from both colleagues and customers for the seamless transition. Mike continues to hold his role in customer services and now works part time, three days a week with no immediate plans to retire.

Mike says, “When I think back to the 60s when I started at the company, it’s amazing to see the changes that have happened in the last 50 years. I was here when the first computers came in and seeing the offices now makes me proud of how we adapted and what we accomplished. Interface has always been like a family; I’ve seen lots of generations working here and have made close friends. I look forward to continuing my work here for as long as I can.”

Dave Bullock, Customer Service Director at Interface says, “Mike’s the sort of employee that every manager would like. He’s hardworking and conscientious and always willing to go that extra mile for the customer. Mike’s firmly part of the Interface family at Shelf and we’re very grateful to all the years of service that he’s has given us and continues to give.”

Mike is married with two grown up daughters. Besides his work at Interface, Mike enjoys photography and exploring the local area.

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