Few jobs have escaped the march of technology, but the print trade has changed beyond recognition during the 46-year career of Pete Boekestyn.
Pete retired as general manager of Welland Print on Monday having spent his working life at the company he joined at the age of 16 on September 2.
When he started from Spalding Grammar School there was no hint of the digital age and full-colour printing was time-consuming and expensive.
“When I started working there we had a single-colour press which we had to wash down four times to get full colour – it was an incredible feat. Now a customer can bring in a photograph and can have 100 full-colour copies in 15 minutes,” he said.
When he started, the company was Geest Print and Pete worked in the compositor room learning about typeface cases. After 20 years the company changed name and he continued his career and became the general manager four years ago.
Company loyalty runs in the Welland Print family as Pete’s predecessor Dick Riley was at the company for 49 years, the ‘office’ team has been together for 34 years and other staff members have been at the company for more than 30 years.
Pete (62) started his retirement with a family party at his Spalding home and he plans to spend more time at the Vernatts Nature Reserve where he is a volunteer.
“It is a real hidden gem and is lovely. I will help to keep it ultra-clear of rubbish while I’m walking,” he said.
Married to Ann for 41 years, the couple have four sons Alex, Leigh, Luke and Jason – none of whom have followed their father into the print trade.
But Pete is not cutting all his ties with Welland Print as he will be covering the holiday of new general manager Jake Walton who he has been working with for four years.
“It will be a seamless transition,” said Pete.
