John Hikes Up Tyre Mountain

After clocking up nearly half a century, ATS Euromaster service centre manager John Agnew has single-handedly fitted a mountain of tyres.

The 64-year-old has just celebrated 48 unbroken years’ service within the industry - that equates to single-handedly fitting more than 175,000 tyres to everything from a wheelbarrow to a tractor - a milestone which ATS Euromaster believe makes their technician the longest serving in the UK.

"I have loved every minute of my working life," said John, "I truly believe I have the best job in the world and I wouldn’t change a thing."

Even though he has managed the ATS Euromaster centre in Commerce Road Industrial Estate in Galloway since 1982, John has maintained a hands on approach by fitting, on average, 15 tyres a day during his working life.

Despite his momentous achievement, John added: "It feels like only yesterday that I cycled to my job interview at The Cumberland Tyre Company upon leaving school. I remember being handed my kit that comprised two tyre levers, two wooden wedges for breaking tyre beads and a hammer. After being shown the ropes, I was simply told to get on with it and I haven’t looked back."

Frank Loughlin, divisional operations manager for ATS Euromaster, said: "After 48 years in the job, John has to be the longest serving tyre technician in the country, if not Europe.

"John’s drive and commitment is truly astounding. In a strange quirk of fate and because of his unparalleled service, our records reveal he has been a tyre technician four years longer than ATS Euromaster has been in existence!"

For your nearest ATS Euromaster service centre, log on to the centre locator at www.atseuromaster.com