EHS thanks customers, staff

Kyle Harte gets a token of appreciation from former EHS managing director Frank Hassell as Pat Lewis and Mitchell Forde look on.

Thu, July 19, 2012 - 12:03 AM

IT MAY BE ROUGH SEAS for the shipping industry, but at least one local company is holding its own in the wave of shrinking budgets and intense competition for market share.

Eric Hassell and Son Ltd’s (EHS) managing director Erica Luke noted that the foundation of the company’s success was its focus on exceptional customer care, offering additional maritime services, and good employee relations.

Regarding the latter, she said that quite a few of the 18-strong EHS team had been with the company for over ten years and that one of them, retiring employee Kyle Harte, had been with the company almost from inception.

“Kyle has been with company for 42 years, working first as a tally clerk and then as a stevedore. The EHS team is appreciative of his service to the company,” Luke said.

Speaking ahead of a retirement luncheon for Hart, Luke said that although the going was rough at times, EHS was committed to its staff and was re-evaluating how it did business so as to maintain jobs and remain financially viable.

She also thanked staff for their contribution, as well as all of EHS’ long-standing and new customers.

“Without you our success could not be possible,” she said.

The retirement luncheon took place earlier this month at the Brown Sugar Restaurant and was attended by staff and Hart’s family.