Janet Draycott, a dedicated employee of Speed Plastics, is celebrating a remarkable milestone—30 years of hard work and unwavering commitment to the company. Over the years, she has watched the company grow from a small team of just 8 people to a thriving business with 42 employees.

Janet first became aware of an opportunity at Speed Plastics through her sister, Liz, who already worked there. Janet initially joined as a part-time cleaner, bringing with her a strong work ethic shaped by her farming background and a family heritage that traces back to Florence Nightingale. Her dedication and drive quickly shone through, and just a few months after joining, she transitioned to production, working on pressure relief mattresses. Her first task involved welding eyelets onto the mattresses—a role that marked the beginning of a long and rewarding career.

“I’ve seen Speed Plastics evolve over the years—new customers, new products, and the introduction of advanced machinery. The company even moved premises twice,” Janet reflects. “The work has changed in terms of scale, but my role has remained fundamentally the same. I still enjoy it today, though it’s more physically demanding as I’ve gotten older. But it’s still incredibly rewarding.“

Janet currently works as a production operative, having stepped down from her role as team leader a few years ago. She now works on the isolator section, a highly skilled area within the production line, and has recently expanded her skills by training in sewing operations. Her versatility and willingness to learn new skills have made her an invaluable part of the team.

To celebrate her 30 years of dedication, Speed Plastics recently held a special presentation in Janet’s honor. The event acknowledged her hard work and significant contributions to the company over the decades. “It was a lovely gesture, and I’m proud to be part of such a great team,” Janet said, reflecting on the presentation.

“Janet has been an integral part of Speed Plastics for three decades. Her commitment, reliability, and dedication to our success are unmatched,” said Jane Collyer, Production Director at Speed Plastics. 

“Her hard work has had a significant impact on the company’s growth, and we are extremely proud to have her as part of our team. Janet’s experience, work ethic, and willingness to take on new challenges are a true asset to the company.”

Throughout her career, Janet has seen Speed Plastics reach significant milestones, with one of her proudest moments being when the company achieved a £400,000 turnover in a single month under her leadership. This achievement stands as a testament to Janet’s leadership and dedication, as well as the company’s growth and success.

Janet’s loyalty to Speed Plastics is due in part to the flexibility and support she’s received over the years. “The company has always been there for me, and that’s why I’ve stayed. It’s also financially rewarding, which adds to the satisfaction,” she says.

In addition to her role in the company’s growth, Janet has played a key part in overcoming challenges, including the clean-up efforts after the devastating floods of June 2007 and the impact of Storm Babet in October 2023. In both instances, Janet was among the team that came together to restore operations and help get the company back on its feet.

Janet’s 30-year journey at Speed Plastics serves as a testament to her dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to the company’s success. Today, as she reflects on her journey, Janet continues to be an integral part of the Speed Plastics team, working tirelessly to ensure the company’s continued success and growth.