What were you doing in 1983? It was a time before the internet and emails, smart phones and tablets didn’t exist, and satellite TV was in its infancy. Globally, it was the year of the Cabbage Patch Doll, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space and when it came to fashion, shoulder pads (the bigger the better) were all the rage.
It was also in this year that a young Dave Palmer, then only 19, started work at Quadralene (Dentisan’s parent company), in Derby. Little did he know that he would still be happily employed there 40 years later.
Dave’s first job was working in the main ‘Fill Area’ where he used to prepare the chemicals and take them to the lab for testing. He soon progressed, firstly to quality control and subsequently took on the role of dispatch supervisor.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes in my time” said Dave “but they have been fantastic changes. Quadralene is a lovely place to work and the culture that runs through the company was something that struck me right from the start. I’ve been very happy here and that’s why I’ve stayed.”
At the end of 2020 Dentisan and its parent company Quadralene were acquired by Getinge, a leading global provider of products and systems that contribute to quality enhancement and cost efficiency within the healthcare and life sciences industries. Later this year the company will move from the building where Dave started his Quadralene career to a new purpose-built site two miles from the city centre.
“I’m a little apprehensive about the move because I have worked in this building such a long time. But you have to keep up and change with the times and I’m looking forward to what comes next. It’s exciting times and a chance to learn new skills.” said Dave.
In recognition of Dave’s dedication over the past 40 years a ceremony was held in June during which Managing Director, Centre of Excellence, Chemistry, for Getinge Bob Newsome, presented Dave with a gift from the team at Quadralene and a loyalty bonus from Getinge, for which he gratefully thanked the company.
Bob said after the event, “Employees who work for a single company for forty years are an increasingly rare commodity. I have known Dave for almost 20 years and he has been a great asset to Quadralene, Dentisan and now Getinge and we thank him for his dedicated service.”
Dave responded, “I’m so grateful for the recognition of my time with the company, but I must give a special mention to Helen Wigglesworth (former co-owner with Bob). She has been an absolute “angel” throughout my career and there are so many things she has done for me personally. She was a great person to work for and really cared for her staff and the special culture she and Bob created has been continued by Getinge.”
From everyone at Dentisan a big ‘well done’ to Dave for staying the course!
