ONE of the original founders and last remaining family member of Penistone-based Lavender International NDT is retiring after 40 years, leaving the company to its 39 employees.
Dave Lavender will retire today.
Lavender International NDT trains people in non-destructive testing on things such as turbine engines in aircrafts.
Dave helped set the company up in 1976 with his parents, Jack and Joyce Lavender. Back then it was called JD Partnership.
Dave, 62, of Cubley, said: “We started off in the spare room of my mum and dad’s house in Sheffield, then moved to Attercliffe and then to Penistone.
“The family roots were in Penistone originally and my dad had this inkling to come back to his roots.
“There’s a lot more advanced methods today, but the basic physics of what we do hasn’t really changed.”
The company was sold to the staff in 2015, a move which Dave believes will safeguard its future, its values and its employees.
He said: “It’s very unusual, but the directors are getting on a bit and none of our children showed any interest.
“The feeling was that if we sold it to the staff, it would keep the interest and they would hopefully take it forward into a new era which is exactly what they have done.
“Over the years, we have resisted several attempts to buy us out from bigger companies so it’s pleasing that we have managed to keep it all in one place and everyone seems happy with that.
“I’m sure my parents would be happy with what we’ve done over the years and the decisions we have made.”
The sale led Dave to think about his retirement. He said he is looking forward to spending more time in Gambia, where he and his wife own a holiday home.
And although he’s looking forward to it, he’s also a little apprehensive.
He said: “I’ve never been in this situation before. I enjoy working here, so I will miss that. But when it’s busy I’ll be acting as a consultant so I’ll still be keeping my hand in a little bit.
“I’m very proud of the company and what we have achieved and I’m delighted to be leaving on such a good footing. I am sure the staff will take the company to the next level.”
