Greene King health and safety manager Peter Ebbens retires after 46 years’ service at the Bury St Edmunds brewery

A Greene King health and safety manager who started his career in the wine bottling hall and held various other roles at the brewery has retired after 46 years’ service.

Peter Ebbens, who was born in Rede and lives in Depden, joined the Bury St Edmunds firm aged 18 on October 23, 1978.

He secured the job in the wine bottling hall, now the company’s distribution centre, thanks to his brother, who was already working there.

The Friday before he started at Greene King, Peter met his wife-to-be, Sue, and they married two years later.

Sue also went on to join the company and recently celebrated 25 years with the business.

Matt Starbuck, director for Brewing & Brands at Greene King, said: “We are incredibly privileged to have had Peter work with us here at the brewery and see the passion and commitment he has had for Greene King over the years.

“We would like to congratulate him on his retirement and also celebrate his lifetime service.

“It is incredible to see his journey through the business and he will be missed by a lot of people.

“We wish him all the best with whatever his retirement plans include and he’s always welcome back at the brewery for a visit whenever he wishes.”

After a few years in the bottling hall, and also working in the warehouse, Peter applied for a job on the drays, which lead to him taking his LGV driving test and becoming a driver for 11 years.

In 1992, Peter became a foreman in the transport office and then a supervisor and visited Biggleswade brewery for induction training at the time.

In 2004, he joined the health and safety department as a manual handling trainer, showing employees across the depots, and in the offices, the correct manual handling techniques.

It was from there that Peter was appointed the health and safety manager and covered all areas of the brewing and distribution division in England and at Belhaven Brewery and distribution sites across Scotland.

During Peter’s time, Greene King secured many RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) gold awards, which is the ultimate symbol of achievement in safety and excellence for a business.

Peter, who retired last month, said: “I look back with fond memories of my time at Greene King.

“I enjoyed being on the drays, although it was hard work, as we would have to rope and sheet everything to keep the goods dry and safe on the vehicle. That’s not how it’s done now, of course.

“I also loved managing the health and safety team as it grew considerably over time, and it was great to really have an impact on the business by keeping people safe and doing our bit to look after the environment.

“It has been a pleasure to work at Greene King for the last 46 years and I will miss it dearly.”