It was an emotional sendoff for four Moduline Industries Ltd., employees on June 2.
Ernie Anonuevo (40 years), Manuel Francisco (35 years), Arthur Mateus (30 years) and Barbara Wilander (35-plus years) have given more than 140 years of service in helping build quality homes.
“It’s an exciting day and a sad day. We’re losing four really talented employees,” said Moduline production manager David Edwards. “It’s hard to say goodbye to them. That means there is room for new employees. Bring younger blood in. Hopefully, they will be here for 35 years.”
Edwards said the employees are Moduline’s greatest assets. Those four brought personality and skills, the latter they developed over the years.
Wilander tried keeping control of her emotions talking about the small celebration in front of co-workers. She described them as one big family.
“It’s going to be hard to leave,” she said. “Made lots of friends.”
During her time Wilander did a lot of jobs, though she finished up tiling over the last 10 years. Her memories are mainly all the changes that have happened in building homes, including how code changes impact how homes are built.
“We do build a good product. Hopefully, it will continue,” she said.
Anonuevo wipes away tears talking about his time.
“Really special for me,” said the grandfather of three.
Anonuevo said good people work at Moduline and that it’s a good job. The welder spent 26 years building homes and now will spend more time with his family and gardening.
Mateus loved every minute of his time with the people he was around. He spent 15 years on the line, and also did drywall work, which he really enjoyed and finished off his final 15 years as a foreman. He made life-long friends that he will miss. He plans to spent part of his retirement making trips to Algarve, Portugal, where he owns a summer home, fish, golf and hit the gym.
Francisco enjoyed his time, which is why he stayed for so long.
“I was quite happy to be here, a roof over the head, food on the table. That’s all that matters,” he said.
Francisco performed various jobs, including flooring and plumbing. On holidays until July 5, he said his final day feels strange.
“I think I’m going to miss the paycheck every second week. Now I only get paid once a month from the government,” smiled Francisco, who plans to fish and do housework with his extra time. “It’s been a pleasure. This has been a great place to work for.”