Ann bids farewell after 46 years

Mortons Technical Director Ray Morrison congratulates employee Ann McCartan as she prepares to leave the company after 46 years.

Ann, who is retiring, will bid farewell after 46 years at the company.

Ann, who hails from Kernan, joined Morton’s as a trainee seed analyst in 1968 upon leaving school, initially training at the Department of Agriculture’s Official Seed Testing station in Belfast.

She then moved into the general office taking on an administrative role, before moving onto the production side of the business as an administrative assistant.

Speaking about her time at the company, Ann said: “I have experienced many changes during my time at Morton’s, not least in terms of the technology we use.

“ When I first joined we had to use manual typewriters and adding machines, before progressing to electric typewriters and calculators, and finally to computers which were truly life-changing.

“The landscape of the industry has also changed vastly. When I first joined Morton’s there was only the “Spring Trade”, with seed testing carried out in the autumn. Then came the “Spring & Autumn trade” which transformed the industry.

“I’ve always loved being part of a company that has never stood still and is always once step ahead in providing innovative new products and services,” she said.

“Morton’s also invests in its own people, and that’s why I’m proud to have stayed there for so many years. I will certainly miss my colleagues when I leave, but I’m also looking forward to putting my feet up a bit more whenever I retire. My plan is to do very little for a few months, then to spend more time in the garden once the weather improves.”

Technical director for Morton’s Ray Morrison said: “Ann has been a joy to work with during her time at Morton’s. Her customer service skills are second to none and she’ll be missed by staff and customers alike.

“She has always been friendly and welcoming, but not afraid to apply a firm hand when it’s needed – in fact she’s well known for keeping our sales representatives in check if they step out of line!

“We wish her all the very best for the future as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.”