Dave Butler Retires after 44 Years of Dedicated Service
Back in March last year, we celebrated Dave Butler’s remarkable 44-year journey of precision and dedication at APT Leicester. On 18th December, Dave officially entered retirement, concluding a career spanning nearly half a century. A true stalwart of the industry, he leaves behind a legacy of expertise, leadership, and camaraderie that has profoundly shaped our company’s success.
A lifetime of contributions
From the moment he joined APT Leicester at just 16 years old, Dave immersed himself in the art of precision turned parts machining. Over the years, he embraced every opportunity to learn and grow, adapting to new technologies and production process methods. His willingness to share knowledge with newer team members has left a lasting impact on our workforce, and many credit him with inspiring their own passion for engineering.
Celebrating the milestones
Throughout his tenure, Dave reached countless milestones and became a true mentor to colleagues across the shop floor. Whether it was operating manual lathes, mastering CNC machines, or guiding apprentices, his dedication never wavered. His ability to consistently deliver quality turned parts, even under challenging deadlines, defined his reputation for excellence and reliability.
Farewell gifts and a new chapter
To mark his retirement, Dave was presented with gifts reflecting his personal interests and the gratitude of the entire APT Leicester team. He received a comfortable settee for well-deserved relaxation, a laptop to keep him connected in this next chapter, and a pocket knife for fishing—an activity he looks forward to enjoying more often. These tokens of appreciation are small in comparison to the significant contributions Dave has made to our company.
Looking ahead with gratitude
As Dave embarks on this new phase of life, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his decades of service, generosity of spirit, and steadfast commitment to APT Leicester’s mission. His influence will continue to resonate across the company, reminding us of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. While we will miss his daily presence, we celebrate this milestone alongside him and wish him many fulfilling years of retirement, fishing adventures, and whatever new endeavours lie ahead.
Dave says: “Looking back at my time with APT Leicester, I’m really thankful for everything. I’ve learned a lot, from using the first manual lathes to the advanced CNC machining. Now, as I adjust to a part-time schedule, I’m excited to embrace a new rhythm of life, spend more time fishing, by the coast, and enjoying the simple things. A big thank you to everyone at APT and all the friends I’ve made. Even though I’m modifying my role, I’m looking forward to seeing APT Leicester continue to grow and succeed as a turned parts manufacturer.”