On 2nd September 2025, our Cell Leader Richard Blevins reached an incredible work milestone of 35 years with the company. Over more than three decades his knowledge of CNC machinery has grown alongside the business, from setting up new machines to programming and maintaining them; and as the business and technology evolved, so did Richard skills, experience and pay cheque!
Richard began his career at SAM NI (formerly known as JW Kane Precision Engineering) in the Fabrication Department as an apprentice in 1990, earning £40 for a 40 hour week. He remembers, “after a few months they give me a rise of five pounds per week to £45 and this was a big deal at the time.” Richard firmly believes that learning never stops and his career is a true reflection of that.
Richard has been involved in countless projects, offering guidance and support to colleagues at every stage. After being promoted to Cell Leader in 2003, he took on the responsibility of training new employees. Richard commented, “this has given me great satisfaction, as there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone that I have trained go on to have a successful career”.
