2006 was the year that Facebook and Twitter were launched, the Apple MacBook was released and the Da Vinci Code was the must-see movie of the year. But much more importantly, it was the year that Ronnie Grant joined Brimmond Group as a Hydraulic Technician.
Fast forward 20 years, as grown and evolved into Kintore-based engineering specialists Brimmond, with Ronnie as one of their longest serving team members.
Now a Senior Hydraulic Technician, Ronnie plays a key role in maintaining the high standards of precision engineering for which Brimmond is renowned. A stalwart member of Huntly Pipe Band, it’s also fitting to say he’s played an instrumental role in Brimmond’s growth over the years!
During his 20 years with the business, Ronnie has built up an enviable wealth of technical knowledge, expertise and experience. As a highly valued member of the team, Ronnie enjoys sharing that expertise with colleagues wherever they are in their career, saying: “I never tire of seeing people come into the business, particularly apprentices and those at the start of their career, who go on to gain experience, develop their skills and grow in both confidence and capability. It’s always a privilege to play a role in helping new members of the team to grow and develop.”
When Ronnie first joined the company it was headed up by Founder and Managing Director Alistair Murdoch, father of current Managing Director, Tom Murdoch. The headcount of 8 was made up of 5 people based in the office and 3 in the workshop – a far cry from the 50 plus team members now employed by Brimmond! Of those 8 people, two remain in the business: one of whom is of course Ronnie and the other is Technical Director Alan Glennie.
When asked about what prompted his long-standing dedication to the company, Ronnie said: “At Brimmond each and every member of the team is valued and nurtured, and that’s certainly been my experience. When I started my career at Brimmond, Alistair was at the helm, and he always treated me with the utmost respect and kindness. Tom has very much followed in his father’s footsteps, and that kind of leadership that places people at the heart of the business, has certainly inspired my loyalty, along with that of many others here.”
Ronnie has many fantastic memories from the last two decades, having had the opportunity to work internationally. Closer to home he also enjoyed cooking up a storm on the BBQ for team-building days.
Recently it was Ronnie’s turn to be spoiled as Brimmond surprised him with a celebratory lunch, complete with ice-cream van, for his 65th birthday!
Managing Director Tom Murdoch first met Ronnie when he was just 14 years old when visiting his dad at work! He said: “Ronnie is someone who will always step in and help wherever he is needed. He enjoys spending time with our apprentices and younger members of the team, ensuring they are well coached in both hydraulics and doric, sharing his experience – although probably not always keeping them out of trouble! He’s been a huge part of Brimmond’s journey, always taking the pride in his work, and a dependable member of the team throughout the past 20 years.”
Alan Glennie, Technical Director at Brimmond commented: "Ronnie and I have had many long working days together over the last 20 years and his dedication and work ethic was evident from day one. He has a great mechanical mind and an understanding of how things work, which he can apply across all kinds of equipment. He is diligent, always wants to do a good job and gives the same attention to detail to everything he works on. His values are very much in line with Brimmond's.”
Congratulations on 20 years, Ronnie!