A MEMBER of “one of the most loyal workforces in the country” is hanging up her jacket after 36 years with the same family firm in Fareham.

Maggie Goulding started work at Barnbrook Systems Ltd in June 1985, when Ronald Reagan was US president, Manchester United were FA Cup winners and the Sinclair C5 had hit the road.

She was among a group of close-knit employees at Barnbrook dubbed “the most loyal workforce in the country” after clocking up 285 years’ service between them in 2019.

Now Maggie, 65, who lives in Titchfield with husband Graham, is set to retire.

Could this be the most loyal workforce in the country?

She said: “I can remember the exact day I started and I am going to be very sad to go.

“I have been here for so long that the car knows which way to go without me driving it. I enjoy my job but it is the people I will really miss.

“It is time to go though and I’m looking forward have a bit more time for myself and perhaps travel when restrictions allow.”

Maggie, who assembles relays and trains staff for the manufacturer at Fareham Park Road, added: “The managing director Tony Barnett is a good employer and I have certainly seen the business grow over the years.

“I must have worked with more than 100 people and we have had a lot of fun over the years.”

Barnbrook is continuing to expand and hire. Graduate electronics engineer Joel Hedges, 33, was not even born when Maggie started at the company. He is studying part-time for a MA in accounting and finance at Portsmouth University, thanks to Barnbrook Systems.

Joel, of Portsmouth, said: “I am finding the MA very interesting and am grateful for the chance to take the course.”

Managing director Tony Barnett, who started the business in 1978, said: “We are fortunate to have a such loyal workforce.

“The knowledge that we have longevity and zero debt gives them the confidence to stay and commit themselves.

“As a conscientious employer we are committed to the professional development of our people.

“It is good to see Joel forwarding his career but very sad to see Maggie go.

“She has made a major contribution to the success of Barnbrook Systems over many years and will be much missed as a friend and colleague.”

Barnbrook Systems designs, develops and manufactures electro-mechanical switching devices for such sectors as rail, aviation, aerospace and defence.