A POPULAR company director is retiring after 41 years in the metal casting business.

Glyn Elshaw, 63, joined the FSE Group in 1975 when they were based in Enfield, starting off as a metallurgist.

Gradually he worked his way up to director of FSE Foundry Ltd and to be a director of sister business AATi, both based at the Springwood Industrial Estate in Braintree.

AATi provide bespoke metal casting to companies across the globe, including working on the London Underground system and a new Paul Smith building in Mayfair.

Mr Elshaw, from Puckeridge, said: “It takes a certain type of personality to work in the industry but the people that work in it get a lot of satisfaction out of the job.

“I have loved the variety of the work. Every day is different and every day there is a different challenge.

“We are not a company that is mass producing one item. We deal with a lot of different types of items and that opens the door to lots of different markets and companies.”

Now he is retiring, Mr Elshaw, who has six grandchildren, is planning to spend more time in his house in Spain.

He said: “I am looking forward to retirement. I have six grandchildren and a little place in Spain. We will have more time watching the grandchildren grow up.

“I will be sad to leave behind the characters. It is a great company to work for. There is very good banter on the shop floor.”

Though he does not leave the company until August 30, employees at the Braintree foundry held a special leaving party on August 19.

For a leaving present, employees had made a two foot metal carp monument for Mr Elshaw’s pond at home, which had each individuals name written delicately on the fins.

He said: “The gift they made was amazing. I am not sure how I didn’t notice them making it.

“I must be walking around the office with my eyes closed.”

David Bisset, FSE Group owner, said: "Glyn can take significant share of the credit for our recent growth, past performance and future planned success.

"I wish him and his family my best wishes for a long and happy retirement."

Brett Hicks, foundry manager, said: "I have known Glyn since 1983, he has always been around to offer me good advice and help, and always a pleasure to listen to his funny stories about meeting customers."