Gavin Sullivan marks 25 years with MSSL

Gavin Sullivan this month marks his 25th year as an employee of Michael Smith Switchgear.

He joined Michael Smith Switchgear in December 1999 as a Trainee Panel Builder, moving through several jobs to reach the position of Training, Quality and Development Supervisor which he holds today.

“I started off wanting to be the best I could be and over the years I have moved forward,” said Gavin.

“I’ve become more versatile and it’s been a great company to work for.”

After completing work experience as a panel builder while still at school, Gavin went to college before working on building sites and as a carpenter for Leicester City Council.

He then began working for Michael Smith Switchgear, going on to complete an apprenticeship in electrical component control. He was manufacturing electrical distribution switchboards that MSSL was building for large national companies.

It led to roles as Senior Panel Builder/Wire Person and then a joint role as Deputy Foreman. After a stint as Foreman, Gav was positioned into his role today.

“There’s been significant change over the years,” he said. “The importance of health and safety has become increasingly prominent.”

MSSL had around 12 employees when Gavin started 25 years ago - it now has around four times that number.

Gavin was involved in the company’s move between its previous sites in the centre of Leicester and Whetstone and the switch to the modern premises of today in Braunstone.

Along the way he has been trained as a fire warden and forklift driver - as well as being a company first aider for two decades and more recently a Mental Health First Aider.

“We’re a lot busier now and always moving forward with the accreditations that our clients expect to see when they award the jobs.

“It’s clear that working sustainably and having the right ISO accreditations is the future.”

Managing Director Sean Smith, who this year marked his own 20th anniversary with the company, said: “It’s been a pleasure seeing Gavin grow within business, both as an individual and professionally.

“This anniversary is a great milestone and reflects Gavin’s commitment to the company and loyalty of service. A lot of our team members have learnt a great deal from Gavin over the years, myself included.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating many more milestones like this within the business.”