Norvite proudly honours Colin Beaton, who marks an incredible 50 years with the business.

Born in 1957, Colin began his working life as a baker and chef after leaving school. While playing football for Kemnay Amateurs he caught the eye of Alistair Pirie, the Operations Director of the newly established Norvite Feed Supplements and also the Team Manager. Recognising Colin's exceptional work ethic and team spirit on the pitch, Alistair offered him a role at Norvite – a decision that would shape Colin's lifelong career.

Starting as a production team member and company van driver, Colin quickly became an integral part of the business. His remarkable reliability was evident early on, as demonstrated by his daily routine of picking up his now-retired colleague Charlie Sharp in Inverurie for nearly 45 years. In those early years the work was incredibly demanding, with 50kg sacks being the standard and all loading done manually, in a time before pallets and forklifts. Colin recalls unloading feed by hand from trains at Huntly Station – a testament to the physical strength and endurance required in those days.

One particularly memorable event from the early 1980s illustrates Colin's determination and work ethic. One freezing winter morning, the company van broke down at the Oyne Fork due to frozen diesel. Rather than give up, Colin and Charlie began the nine-mile walk to work. Fortunately, a Huntly bus came along and offered them a lift only for the bus to get stuck two miles from Wardhouse, meaning they had to walk the rest of the way. Such commitment and dependability is greatly valued and is typical of Colin's dedication.

Colin steadily advanced within the company, taking on roles of increasing responsibility and ultimately becoming Production Manager. Always leading from the front, he has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues for his vast knowledge of production and manufacturing in the animal feed industry. He has contributed significantly to the upholding of Norvite's values, traditions and culture of excellence.

Today, Norvite expresses its deepest gratitude for Colin's unwavering service and commitment. He is an inspiration to all and the company takes immense pride in celebrating this well deserved tribute. As Colin continues to be a pillar of Norvite's specialist production team, he is ensuring a legacy of dedication and loyalty which has served him and the company so well.

For further information, please contact: Becky MacAngus, Marketing Lead, Norvite Animal Nutrition Company Limited, Wardhouse, Insch, Aberdeenshire, AB52 6YD, 01464 831261, bmacangus@norvite.com.