Bridgedale people

Meet (some of) the people who love your socks as much as you do.

● CHARLIE HOUSTON Stock controller for 45 years

‘It’s always been a job I didn’t dislike coming into. Everyone gets on. I don’t drive so I walk everywhere. We’re allowed two pair of Bridgedales a month. I don’t get through that many though. They last forever.’

● CHRISTIAN MCLAUGHLIN Mechanic for 7 years

‘We do a three-year apprenticeship here, then you’re away.

When everything’s running smoothly you feel like you’ve won, you really do.’

● PAUL MCCRORY Mechanic for 47 years

‘I started in the factory when it was Blaxnit, which made socks for soldiers in World War I. It’s the only job I’ve ever had. People joining now will retire here I’ll bet. Our product is just so good.’

● REECE ATKINSON Knitter for 6 months

‘Everyone is friendly. No one pesters you. The socks are just so comfy so they are. I’ve got friends in the army who never stop going on about Bridgedales. Best job I’ve ever had.’

● NADINE KEENAN Quality controller for 2 years

‘I couldn’t believe how much goes into the socks. On a good day I inspect over 2000. I’m quite disorganised in my own life so I like the orderliness here. Outside work I play centre-back for 1st Bangor football club.’

● RONNIE HOY Operations manager

‘Ask anyone in Newtownards and they’ll tell you “My aunty worked there”, or “My granda’ worked there”. We’ve people today who’ve worked here 40 years and more, and they still want to come to work every day. The reason? We’re doing a good job. They’re the best in the world. And the way we’re treated here is second to none. Little things matter, they really do.’