After 25 years and two weeks with the company, Mike Fortey has retired from his position as Hydraulic Equipment Supermarkets Ltd's Duplomatic Product Manager.

Since joining Hydraulic Equipment Supermarkets (HES) in June 1983 Mike has played an integral role in the company's growth and ongoing success.

Initially employed as Seals Manager, Mike went on to become Branch Manager of HES's Gloucester branch. In his later role as Stores Manager he oversaw the successful implementation of an advanced megamat warehousing system and helped the company achieve ISO status.

Mike's final role with the company was as Duplomatic Product Manager where he leaves behind a considerable legacy, having played a central part in the pending launch of Hydraulic Equipment Supermarkets "Duplomatic Express" service.

Trevor Domm, Hydraulic Equipment Supermarkets Ltd's Sales Director, said: "It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Mike. We are sad to see him go and will sorely miss his wealth of experience and knowledge which is simply irreplaceable but we all wish him a very happy and well deserved retirement."

"Mike has been an ever-present source of information for many of his colleagues throughout their time with us and it will only be over the coming weeks and months that we will realise how reliant on him we had become."

On his retirement, Mike commented: "I am sorry to say that the "stop-gap" job I started 25 years ago has come to an end!"