Roberts Manufacturing 75th Anniversary

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Growth through quality and service Message from the Chairman his year marks a momentous occasion for Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited, as we celebrate 75 years in operation.

So much has changed since Roberts was established in 1944.

As a private entity, Roberts spearheaded its evolution, by producing soap under the brand name ‘Swan’ and later, its first brand of margarine ‘Oleo’, at a time when our declining sugar production was the main contributor to the Barbados economy.

Although the production of soap was discontinued, through innovation and plant modernisation, we developed a range of popular brands of margarine, spreads and cooking oils.

In 1981, the company acquired majority shareholding in Vitamin Pet Foods Limited and commenced production of dog and puppy foods and – in November 2000 – we entered a joint venture agreement with ADM Barbados Feeds, to form Pinnacle Feeds Limited which produces livestock feeds for the farming community.

Roberts has overcome many challenges over the years, and we are indebted to our dedicated employees – present and past – and our loyal customer base (local and regional) who demand quality products.

As an industry leader, we also have an important role to play in the area of food security, and will continue to develop and produce products utilising the most up-to-date quality management systems.

Seventy-five years is a milestone to be celebrated. As another chapter unfolds, we will continue to work closely with our stakeholders – our staff, valued customers, shareholders and other key players – to ensure that we stay relevant, marketable and competitive in this industry. Here’s to another 75 years.

FRERE DELMAS, Chairman (GP)

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Message from the Managing Director he history of Roberts Manufacturing Co Limited is one based on the entrepreneurial spirit of J.C. Roberts and Sir Kenneth Hunte, who were instrumental in laying the foundation for the company and setting it on a path to success. The vision these two gentlemen had for the company in its infancy really embodied the Motto of Barbados Pride and Industry.

This principle was held by successive Boards of Directors and Management charged with ensuring the legacy of the company would stand the test of time and continue to evolve into the future.

This principle has taken the company from a backyard operation to a company that spans a 27 acre operational site, sales locally and to 13 territories regionally and internationally, a staff compliment of 200 team members, and the accomplishment of achieving internationally recognised quality certifications.

The company continues to invest heavily not only in the bricks and mortar of the operation but also in

technological advancement of its equipment to assist in driving efficiencies within our plants, research and development to ensure that that our existing portfolio of products meets the demands of our customers, and to look at new and exciting

products that will keep our product offerings relevant to the modern day consumer. We also view the training and development of our team members as vital to our future as they are essential to us maintaining the legacy that has made Roberts Manufacturing Co Limited a household name.

In my tenure at the company, it has been a privilege to work with team members past and present who have devoted 20, 30, and in some instances 40 years of their life to ensuring Roberts Manufacturing stays on a path to success. This is an unwavering commitment that I

would like to personally say thank you to both them and their families for the contributions and sacrifices made over those many years.

The last 75 years of Robert’s history has certainly proved that manufacturing is still alive and well in Barbados with many of our brands being known for their quality and consistency. We look to the future optimistically, knowing that there are many untapped opportunities for the Roberts Manufacturing Group of Companies and that we are tasked with the exciting opportunity of forging another 75 years that we all can be proud of.

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Board of Directors

NICHOLAS V MOUTTET

RAY A SUMAIRSINGH

Nicholas Mouttet joined the Roberts Manufacturing Board of Directors in October 2011. He is one of the representatives of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies which has an interest in Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited.

Mouttet is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the ANSA McAL (Barbados) Ltd Group of Companies. This includes responsibility for eight wholly owned subsidiaries in Barbados, three joint ventures in Barbados and three more across the Caribbean territories of Grenada, Antigua and Jamaica.

In addition, he holds the position of Sector Head Retail & Services for the Group with responsibility for five other companies. He also sits as a director on the Parent Board of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, a position he has held since 2011.

Mouttet holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration with a minor in International Business from Florida International University.

Ray A Sumairsingh holds directorships on several ANSA McAL boards, including the parent company ANSA McAL Limited, ANSA Merchant Bank Limited, TATIL and TATIL LIFE Assurance Limited.

RANDALL BANFIELD Randall Banfield joined the BS&T Group of companies in 1983.

He currently serves on the boards of Roberts Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Massy Distribution (Barbados) Ltd., Massy (Barbados) Ltd., and is the managing director of Massy Stores (Barbados) Ltd. Mr Banfield is also a trustee for the BS&T Pension Scheme.

He represents the group on associated and subsidiary company boards in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and Jamaica.

Sumairsingh is a former president and director of the Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies, where he served with distinction for 18 years, as well as president and director of the Insurance Association of the Caribbean, where he served for over 15 years.

A former director of the Unit Trust Corporation representing the Financial Services Sector of Trinidad and Tobago, he is currently chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange.

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ver the past years, manufacturers have fought through tough economic periods and endured increased complexity in the industry.

Roberts’ Manufacturing is one of the companies that have endured the “survival of the fittest” challenges.

The Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) is elated to support and associate with a company that illustrates such tenacity and strength.

Roberts Manufacturing continues to be an industry leader in manufacturing excellence. The company has led in areas of product innovation, diversification and quality control. Consequently, its products have all been recognized as globally competitive.

Nationally and regionally, the company’s products remain highly favoured. For Barbadians in particular the products have a special place in our kitchens. They always add that Bajan flair which brings authenticity to traditional meals. Moreover, locals and international visitors alike look forward to Roberts participation in the BMA’s annual national exhibition, BMEX, to partake of the culinary delights the products of Roberts Manufacturing produce.

What is absolutely thrilling, as the President of the BMA, is that despite of the brands and reputation the company has built for itself over the years Roberts focus is on moving its operations and our nation forward. Roberts continues

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to birth creative ideas and address challenges faced nationally. It persists to play its part in sustaining the economy of Barbados through the maintenance of employment levels even during times of economic turbulence. As a member of the BMA, Roberts actively contributes to national development through its thorough recommendations and advice on national policy concerning manufacturing.

Roberts, the BMA salutes your strides! On behalf of the Council of Management and the staff of the BMA I express a heartfelt congratulations to Robert’s Manufacturing on the 75th Anniversary.

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he past 75 years has seen Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited (RMCO) blossom and evolve from a humble backyard operation, birthed from a need during harsh times, to a sprawling company that has become a household name across generations and international borders.

RMCO, as it exists today, spans across 21 acres and stands as a landmark to many and a testament to the people who have helped mould this company into what it is today.

The present facility is nothing short of miraculous for a company that had its humble beginnings 60 years ago under a breadfruit tree.

According to Coral Bernadine

Roberts, Granddaughter of RMCO’s founder, “James Clifford Roberts, J.C. as he was known, was the consummate entrepreneur. Some of his ventures included a cinema in Speightstown and a wine shop in Roebuck Street.”

Coral also stated, “It was in Roebuck Street that he met and married Hilda, the daughter of the Moravian schoolmaster. “Her maiden name was also Roberts. They had three sons, Chester, Kenneth, and Clifton,” she continued.

“As young men they went on to work; Chester with local government, Kenneth in commerce at Fogarty’s, Broad Street, and Clifton as an entomologist at the Agricultural Department,” Coral said.

This was all taking place at a tumultuous time in world history. It was the outset of the Second World War. According to Coral, “J.C. saw that goods were being rationed and soap was scarce. He summoned his sons but the two older ones did not get on board as it was too risky.

But his youngest son, Clifton, who was adventurous like his father, left his job in government and moved with his young wife and baby daughter to Government Hill to assist his father with this latest venture.”

J. C. Roberts formulated a washing

soap, which he sold under the brand name “Swan”. News of the ability of this soap to fight dirt soon travelled far and with sales increasing, he employed five assistants.

In the early 1940s, Coral recalled, “There were drums and boxes and other stuff all over the place. J.C. was overseeing everything and Clifton was assisted by two young boys – Boney and Salasee were doing the labour work.

Two ladies stacked trays, hoisted them on their heads, and took off down Government Hill to sell the soap.”

Over time, more staff was hired – a truck driver Scott, and Oliver the watchman. J.C. converted his home into an office and storeroom. Horace Hoyte, Harold Hoyte’s father, was the first bookkeeper working with him.

The diverse vision of Roberts was being realised. A margarine plant in Bay Street and a feed plant in Government Hill were eventually created and attracted a lot of attention.

“Oleo” margarine was formulated and J.C.’s entrepreneurial spirit attracted the attention of Sir Kenneth R. Hunte.

He approached J.C. Roberts with the idea of forming a company, and having

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austintrading@caribsurf.com

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• From Page 8C. reached an agreement, it was on March 24, 1944, that Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited was formed.

The shareholders of the company included J. C. Roberts, his brother Edward Roberts and his son Clifton Roberts. Edward was appointed the first general manager, Clifton was appointed manager of the soap plant, and Sir Kenneth R. Hunte was appointed managing director, a position he held until his retirement in September 1983.

Roberts Manufacturing was alive – breathing, evolving, and growing beyond the initial backyard venture.

THE LOADING PROCESS. (GP)

Work began earnestly on a new facility to house the expanding plant which was to go into full-time production.

The workforce was increased to 25 and soon the company was exporting to St Lucia, Dominica, and St Vincent.

During the years towards the ending of the Second Great War, foreign goods were hard to acquire. The locally manufactured soap and margarine were now in more demand as austerity gripped the entire world.

The turmoil in Europe led more people to visit the Caribbean than the Mediterranean, also bolstering businesses across the board for

Barbados. From its location in the old BICO building on Bay Street, the Margarine Plant was now able to produce high quality shortening and margarine.

The rapid growth of the company continued and they soon needed another chemist, with Keith Hunte joining the staff in 1945. When Edward Roberts retired three years later, Hunte became general manager.

In the late 1940s, Roberts had its own canning plant that was importing materials to produce cans to contain their own margarine as well as for the local paint manufacturing industry.

In 1949, Glow-Spread and MelloKreem were launched and quickly gained recognition locally and regionally.

Meanwhile, soap production had increased and with the commissioning of the Mazzoni Plant in 1955, there was much improvement in the quality of the

product. This plant operated until 1973 when it was sold to Dominica.

The 1950s saw the addition of a new arm to the Roberts Manufacturing operations. Sir Kenneth decided to add the production of animal feed to the company’s portfolio and negotiated the purchase from DaCostas of their Fairchild Street plant.

This bold move was rewarded as they were appointed agents for the Quaker Oats Company and when the production of Full-o-Pep feed commenced, it necessitated the building of a new plant at Government Hill.

On completion of the new plant, the company entered another phase.

The Full-O-Pep brand of feed was subsequently changed to Wayne Feeds,

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• From Page 9C. and the Premier BA and Pinnacle brands followed. The Wayne Feeds brand was produced under a franchise arrangement with Continental Milling Corporation.

The 1960s were a time of coming together for Roberts. In 1969 the shortening and margarine plant was relocated from Bay Street, bringing all the company’s operations to one central location at Government Hill.

PRODUCTS FROM Roberts Manufacturing Company Limited have maintained very high standards thourghout the years. (GPs)

Mechanisation meant more growth ROBERTS MANUFACTURING continued to grow, expand, and improve the way manufacturing was pioneered in Barbados. The 1980s saw many manual labour jobs being overtaken by mechanisation, but that also meant different types of jobs.

The reach of Roberts continued to stretch with their purchase of majority shares in Vitamin Pet Foods Ltd in 1981. The 1980s saw Roberts producing dog, puppy, and cat food under the Vitapet brand. Eventually, Roberts dog food brand would be added and cat food discontinued.

In the same year, RMCO also purchased Chick Growers Limited, a poultry processing plant and in 1987 the company increased its shareholding in R&C Hatcheries to

50 per cent. By 1990, Chick Growers Limited was amalgamated with Montrose Poultry Farms to form Chickmont Foods Limited in which Roberts had 50 per cent equity. This shareholding was subsequently sold in 2003.

The end of the 1980s would also be the dawning of a new chapter as Roberts had more than outgrown its place in Government Hill.

Lower Estate would become the new home of the Roberts

Manufacturing Co. Limited.

Coral Roberts recalled, “When I first saw the name Roberts large and in charge on that edifice, I had goose bumps as I remembered with pride the backyard posse.”

In 1988, the new computerised feed plant began operations from its new home and was swiftly followed by the administration offices, while the Farm & Pet Mart followed in 1989.

The Shortening and Margarine Plant was relocated to Lower Estate in 1991. In 1993 there was further expansion with the commissioning of the Soybean Extraction plant.

The new plant began the manufacturing of soybean oil some of which is then bottled with the rest reserved for margarine production.

The by-product soybean meal is used in the production of animal feed and some exported.

By 1998, RMCO gained International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9002: 1994 certification within a record time of nine months. In 2000, the Feed Division of Roberts Manufacturing was amalgamated with that of ADM Barbados Feeds to form Pinnacle Feeds Limited with RMCO owning

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OVER THE YEARS, Roberts has been, and still is, a major sponsor of sporting, entertainment and community events throughout the island.

• From Page 10C. 60 per cent.

This certification was upgraded to ISO 9001:2000 Management Systems in May 2002. In keeping with international manufacturing management systems Roberts has obtained the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification in June 2003.

In its efforts to keep abreast of the changing trends of its customers, RMCO introduced a new product in 2001, NaturSoy. This soy beverage was readily accepted by consumers and it has proven to be another success for the company.

By 2005, RMCO partnered with the Junior Duelling Challenge programme which has soared in popularity. This has grown into an additional programme for the region under the Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge name, both of which Roberts title sponsors to this very day.

Pinnacle Feeds Limited became the sole platinum sponsor of Agrofest and they installed a new fully computer-operated system to provide more efficient controls for the feed plant. RMCO has also installed a state-of-the-art Gerstenberg Schroder Perfector unit (heat exchanger) to automate some aspects of Roberts’ shortening and margarine production process to optimise consistency in product quality.

From new pellet coolers and pellet mills to migrating their margarines and spreads to transfat-free formulae, Roberts is constantly looking beyond the horizon of best practices to improve their product and the way they make it.

Roberts also launched Eat Bajan Meat advertising

campaign for Pinnacle Feeds Ltd and formed an alliance with Eurofins Laboratory to provide technical support for analysis of raw materials and finished products enabling same-day analysis.

Whether it is reaching out to animal lovers, foodie enthusiasts, and everyone across the board, Roberts is certain to continue their magnanimous journey in manufacturing greatness.

Today, 75 years in the future, Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited operates from a sprawling 21-acre complex at Lower Estate, St Michael. The total investment, valued at US$16 million, incorporates a Soybean Processing Plant, a Pet Food Processing Plant, a Margarine Shortening Plant, a Poultry & Livestock Feed Plant, and Roberts Farm & Pet Mart.

The company is a private limited liability company and all the equity is owned by Massy Limited and ANSA McAl Group of Companies.

In its efforts to ensure that its personnel are kept abreast of technological developments, the company maintains employee training programmes at universities, laboratories, and similar training institutions in Europe and North America.

For 75 years, Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited has touched lives, provided necessities, and continues to be a beacon of growth through quality and service.

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30 years working together or nearly 30 years, Gerry Harding, Managing Director of Little Woods Food Company Ltd. has been a part of the Roberts family being one of their largest customers for the long haul. Since 1991, Little Woods Food Company Ltd has distributed their private brands Country House and Sun Meadow in the Trinidad market.

According to Gerry Harding, “We started talking in 1990 and in 1991 we started doing business.

I’ve been to the 50th anniversary of Roberts and now I am glad to be a part of the 75th”.

Gerry Harding, who worked in a margarine manufacturing company before breaking out on his own to create Little Woods Food Company Ltd, has extensive experience and an admirable relationship with Roberts through many years of change.

“Roberts manufactures for us table margarine, cooking margarine, shortening, and soft-spread margarine in tubs along with bulk margarines for bakeries,” said Harding.

“Our relationship remains strong. I am still in contact with all the past Directors at Roberts and have a cordial relationship with them all. I’ve been a part of Roberts through five chairmen and five managing directors”.

Harding continued to say, “The only way to move forward is with progress. Roberts has

GERRY HARDING (CSG) always been very high up with new technology and regulations. Roberts is adding new technologies all the time. The Roberts products speak for themselves. When we first started doing business I had promised Roberts that I would do a certain amount per year and now we do over 25 per cent more”.

The pride in Roberts quality is known across the region and their desire to continually improve is evident in their successes over 75 years.

“In Trinidad we are competing with two local manufacturers and one other from the Caribbean.

We make sure our product remains number one for us and our consumers,” Harding said.

“I look forward to Roberts 80th anniversary and wish them continued success because with their success mine is assured. They have people who have the expertise to keep moving further and further”.

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GLENN M. TAYLOR, Massy Distribution (GP)

From the Managing Director of Massy Distribution Glenn M. Taylor s a local Distributor of Roberts products, we at Massy Distribution would like to take this opportunity to offer Roberts Manufacturing our heartiest congratulations on achieving 75 years.

We have shared a tremendous journey together, helping to establish the Roberts brands as a deeprooted name in Barbadian households and our culture, a name synonymous with cooking. A name we have all grown up with and loved.

Over the years we have shared a relationship which is based on mutual admiration and exchange of ideas, creating a bond which extends beyond the boundaries of business.

We are proud to be associated with a local brand that has stood the test of time and become a renowned entity not only in our home but across the region; a company that has been a tremendous pleasure to work alongside.

All of us at Massy Distribution wish the management and team at Roberts Manufacturing many more successful years, as we partner with them to achieve continued successes.

May you continue to be a shining example of excellence, pride and industry as you proceed on your journey into the future.

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A rich heritage of companies

he Management and Staff of Bryden Stokes Ltd take this opportunity to congratulate Roberts Manufacturing Co Limited (RMCO)on reaching the milestone of 75 years in manufacturing.

From inception, Bryden Stokes Ltd (BSL) has been the exclusive distributor for some of the Roberts branded products such as Chicken & Rice Dog Food, Sunflower Spreads, Sunrise Oils, Butter Glow and Puff Pastry Cubes.

Such relationships are essential in furthering the important commercial and social connections that exist between RMCO and BSL. As two leading players in the market, both locally and regionally, this milestone is commended even more in the face of economic hardships.

We wish you all the success for many more years to come and we hope to continue doing business with you in the future.

ADRIAN PADMORE, Managing Director of Brydens Stokes Ltd (GP)

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Congrats from Caribbean Cuizine aribbean Cuizine congratulates Roberts Manufacturing on reaching this significant milestone in its history – its 75th anniversary.

We feel a part of this success as Roberts was responsible for the growth and development of the Junior Duelling Challenge Competition, which to date remains the only event specifically designed for the training, education, advancement and promotion of our youth in the culinary field.

As the event’s platinum sponsor, Roberts Manufacturing provided the full array of their quality products over the past 14 years.

With this company taking such a positive step towards development, it is no wonder that Roberts has reached this landmark and seems set to achieve many more momentous and innovative milestones based on the superior products manufactured, coupled with the constant attention paid to meeting and surpassing market demand and trends, in a timely manner.

Roberts’ involvement with Caribbean Cuizine has not been limited to the provision of products; the company has also contributed invaluable assistance in the critical areas of planning and management, positively influencing several of the young, aspiring chefs, as we have seen many of them grow into industry leaders, with some heading

CHEF PETER EDEY, of Caribbean Cuizine. (FP) the largest food establishments on the island today.

This success, however, is not limited to Barbados; the trend has also been seen throughout the Caribbean, as the programme has become regional and now welcomes young culinarians from at least 12 countries from across the region, thus mirroring Roberts’ growth, as the company too, supplies products to many of these same countries.

Caribbean Cuizine looks forward to its continued collaboration with Roberts Manufacturing and to being a part of yet another 75 years of sound growth and innovative business.

Congratulations!!!

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The Pillars . . . of ouroiof our foundation

SIEBERT LASHLEY (CSG) SIEBERT LASHLEY began his journey with Roberts Manufacturing on June 2, 1957. “I was with Roberts for 39 years,” he recalled.

“In May of ’57, two jobs were advertised – one for an accountant and one for a warehouse manager. I applied for the warehouse manager position and got it,” said Lashley.

“There was a company called Gardener Austin who were agents for imported soaps and washing powder and Sir Kenneth R. Hunte was taking that over for Roberts.

At the time Roberts manufactured laundry soap, blue soap, and other bar soaps.

People thought Sir Kenneth was crazy going into imported soap, because it would kill off his bar soap, but he was a man of vision,” he said.

According to Lashley, “I got the position of managing that new warehouse on Chapel Street in Bridgetown and reported directly to one of the directors of Roberts, Earnest Hunte. After a few years, I was offered the position to manage the feed plant and eventually accepted.

Keith Hunte was the general manager of Roberts at the time. At that plant we produced margarine, feed, and metal containers. Eventually, I was made production manager for Roberts Manufacturing”.

On reflecting on Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited, Lashley recalled, “I had some good staff members working with me.

Roberts trains you for the opportunities they offer you. I knew all 220 employees at Roberts in those days. There was a lot of camaraderie.

“Roberts has always been a progressive company that looks out for its employees.

Roberts has good and dedicated people.

I would like to wish Roberts continued success in what they’re doing and to continue on this landscape for many years to come.”

EUCLINE MILLINGTON (CSG) “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to speak on the occasion of the 75th anniversary celebration of Roberts Manufacturing, a company which had given a then younger man their vote of confidence by making him the foreman for the Mechanical Service Department, which in turn provided for me the firm financial footing to build a life with my wife and family. For that I give God thanks,” said Eucline Millington, retired mechanical engineer at Roberts Manufacturing.

Millington asserted that, “Through Roberts, I had also provided a safe stable working environment where many liaisons have been made.

Be they technical, personal, or professional, always respectful. Being a second home of sorts, created in an industrial environment, Roberts was not devoid of respectfully formed interpersonal and professional bonds.”

“Whatever the challenges, I believe they were faced head on in a united effort. Not being worse for wear than when we went in, we came out more accomplished by our success and made wiser by any failures. I have seen, in my time with Roberts, the company’s commitment in showing worker appreciation, which does bode well for its longevity,” he stated.

According to Millington, “The customer satisfaction shown speaks volumes to the company’s continual development of the best marketable product on offer. Being 75 years in existence it has seen a great many changes and always for the better.

“I shall on this note pray for God’s continual blessing upon its workforce, workers and managerial staff, as each continues to put their best foot forward, each man for the good of the other.”

MICHAEL CLARKE (CSG)

MICHAEL CLARKE began his lengthy career with Roberts Manufacturing in February of 1970. “That’s one of the highlights of my life,” Clarke said on being hired at Roberts.

“I was an assistant accountant. Life was a lot more simple back then. I had heard from the secretary of the general manager that there was a vacancy. I applied for the job and got it,” he said.

“A year or two after I started at Roberts, I was promoted to being an accountant and then company secretary, assistant general manager, then general manager, and then, eventually, managing director,” Clarke recalled.

“I started out in Government Hill in the office. We were in a residential area and people would complain about the factory, so we had to buy residential properties to acquire space. We were the first commercial entity in the area when we moved to Lower Estate. That move was another highlight of my career at Roberts,” said Clarke.

“Another highlight would be getting my Master’s Degree in 1997. I had left school in 1967 so that took a lot out of me to go back, but Hilary Roett motivated me to take on that challenge. Roberts has always produced a quality product, which is our mainstay. Roberts has contributed a lot to a lot of persons’ ability to survive over the years,” he said.

According to Clarke, “I actually wanted to make it to the 40 years of service mark but due to health issues I had to retire after 39 years.

I retired in February 2009 at 61. I wish Roberts another 75 years and would like to congratulate them on this milestone. I hope things continue to progress for the company”.

VERNON WEEKES (CSG)

VERNON WEEKES began his Roberts career in 1968. “I hadn’t left school for very long. I was working in a lab in a sugar factory in Warrens which was shut down.

A lady that was working with me at the time knew the general manager at Roberts, Maurice Foster, who was a wonderful guy. So, I came to work at Roberts as a lab assistant,” said Weekes.

“When I look back on my time at Roberts, it was wonderful. It was a good place to work and had a good management structure and a good attitude. It allowed for upward mobility if you were prepared to take on the challenge,” he recalled.

Weekes recalled, “When I started at Roberts I had hoped to stay for ten years and then move on to something different, but instead I stayed for 40 years because it was a good place to be. I moved from being the laboratory assistant to being the technical manager, to production manager, to operation manager, to deputy general manager over my 40 years.”

“I learned a lot and the company was good to me and all the employees. They actually encouraged me to expand my education and supported me financially when I did my degree at St Augustine in Trinidad,” he said.

Weekes further stated, “Roberts offers the opportunity to develop yourself. I feel very proud to have been associated with Roberts. I was here for their 25th anniversary and to be here 50 years after to visit, I’m proud to know I made a contribution to the largest manufacturing company in Barbados”.

DAVID FOSTER DAVID FOSTER began his journey with Roberts in 1992. According to Foster, “When I began my employment with Roberts it was in the position of chief engineer. My training and background had previously been with the sugar industry. The chief engineer’s job at Roberts was to maintain equipment in the factory, which included boiler maintenance, installation of new equipment and upkeep of buildings and grounds. As the plant operated 24 hours a day, five days a week, the maintenance had to be done on weekends.”

“The equipment in a sugar factory is substantially larger but basically has the same fundamental principles. The transition was quite easy for me, apart from the long hours. The introduction of a planned preventative maintenance programme allowed us to schedule carrying out any specific maintenance,” recalled Foster.

He continued, “From the position of chief engineer I was appointed as engineering services manager which carried more responsibility. This involved preparing budgets and sitting in on negotiations with the Barbados Workers Union and attending board meetings to present proposals for upgrades of equipment. My last six years at Roberts were spent as managing director after the retirement of Mr Michael Clarke.”

“The major upgrading of equipment at Roberts was a significant milestone. Upgrading the boilers, the feed plant pellet mill, the Geelen Cooler, thereby making production more efficient were definitely highlights. My promotion to managing director was the pinnacle of my career” he said.

Foster further asserted, “The installation of diesel generators that provided our own electrical power provided the company with a payback period of two years and saved significantly in the operational costs of the plants. The learning experiences at Roberts were very valuable. For two years, I was President of the BMA. The experience at Roberts gave me the confidence to look at a wide range of manufacturers and to assist smaller manufacturers.”

David Foster retired in 2015 after 22 years of service with Roberts Manufacturing and said, “I’d like to say that the team that I worked with in engineering services were some of the very best – all of the electricians, the welders, the mechanics – I couldn’t have done the job without them. The team that made up the management at Roberts has always been excellent.”

RONALD LEEROY YEARWOOD (CSG) RONALD LEEROY YEARWOOD started working with Roberts in 1976. Yearwood recalled, “I was out looking for a job at Light & Power and missed the general manager there on three occasions. I would ride my bicycle to Government Hill where Roberts was.”

At that time, Roberts used to sponsor cyclists. When I got there, the production manager, Mr Mayhew, offered us Christmas jobs. So, I started at Roberts working with their motors.

“I always did whatever I was asked to do. One day I was working on a motor and there was a problem outside with a molasses tank underground. They asked me what was wrong with the motor outside and I was shocked by a current and told them the motor was going to earth. So, I took out a cable and ran a temporary ground and it started working. At the end of my third week, they asked me if I would stay on with Roberts and have been there ever since,” Yearwood said.

Looking back, Yearwood further recalled, “I acquired my wireman’s licence and went to Community College. At that time, I was one of the youngest qualified electricians in Barbados; I was 20. I had worked many odd jobs before coming to Roberts. I and three junior electricians did the wiring for the whole office when Roberts moved to Lower Estate.

“I have had a good run with Roberts and I’m still having a good run. There are more than adequate people at Roberts. I have been fortunate to be employed at Roberts.

The job stretched from three weeks to 43 years and I’m happy with that,” he said.

MELVIN WORRELL (CSG)

MELVIN WORRELL, first started working at Roberts in 1971. In the early days of Roberts at Government Hill, he was the engineering supervisor in the maintenance workshop.

“Roberts, in those days, had a number of different plants – the feed plant, the margarine plant, the canning plant, and the soap plant. The soap plant was the first to go and I remember when that machinery was taken out and shipped to Dominica,” Worrell said.

“My job as engineer was to maintain the equipment that was creating the cans until the canning plant was phased out and then I worked in the margarine plant and later the feed plant,” he recalled.

Over nearly half a century, Worrell had much to reflect on and recalled, “The move from Government Hill was a very memorable experience. When we moved to Lower Estate, the feed plant came under my microscope as engineering supervisor. The process of taking apart the equipment in Government Hill and moving some of it to Lower Estate as well as installing new equipment was an interesting time for Roberts.”

Last year, Worrell retired from Roberts after 47 years of service. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary he said, “Roberts has always done well for its customers. The production at Roberts has been very good. I enjoyed my stint at Roberts; it has been a great experience,” he said.

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

The Pillars . . . of ouroiof our foundation

SIEBERT LASHLEY (CSG) SIEBERT LASHLEY began his journey with Roberts Manufacturing on June 2, 1957. “I was with Roberts for 39 years,” he recalled.

“In May of ’57, two jobs were advertised – one for an accountant and one for a warehouse manager. I applied for the warehouse manager position and got it,” said Lashley.

“There was a company called Gardener Austin who were agents for imported soaps and washing powder and Sir Kenneth R. Hunte was taking that over for Roberts.

At the time Roberts manufactured laundry soap, blue soap, and other bar soaps.

People thought Sir Kenneth was crazy going into imported soap, because it would kill off his bar soap, but he was a man of vision,” he said.

According to Lashley, “I got the position of managing that new warehouse on Chapel Street in Bridgetown and reported directly to one of the directors of Roberts, Earnest Hunte. After a few years, I was offered the position to manage the feed plant and eventually accepted.

Keith Hunte was the general manager of Roberts at the time. At that plant we produced margarine, feed, and metal containers. Eventually, I was made production manager for Roberts Manufacturing”.

On reflecting on Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited, Lashley recalled, “I had some good staff members working with me.

Roberts trains you for the opportunities they offer you. I knew all 220 employees at Roberts in those days. There was a lot of camaraderie.

“Roberts has always been a progressive company that looks out for its employees.

Roberts has good and dedicated people.

I would like to wish Roberts continued success in what they’re doing and to continue on this landscape for many years to come.”

EUCLINE MILLINGTON (CSG) “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to speak on the occasion of the 75th anniversary celebration of Roberts Manufacturing, a company which had given a then younger man their vote of confidence by making him the foreman for the Mechanical Service Department, which in turn provided for me the firm financial footing to build a life with my wife and family. For that I give God thanks,” said Eucline Millington, retired mechanical engineer at Roberts Manufacturing.

Millington asserted that, “Through Roberts, I had also provided a safe stable working environment where many liaisons have been made.

Be they technical, personal, or professional, always respectful. Being a second home of sorts, created in an industrial environment, Roberts was not devoid of respectfully formed interpersonal and professional bonds.”

“Whatever the challenges, I believe they were faced head on in a united effort. Not being worse for wear than when we went in, we came out more accomplished by our success and made wiser by any failures. I have seen, in my time with Roberts, the company’s commitment in showing worker appreciation, which does bode well for its longevity,” he stated.

According to Millington, “The customer satisfaction shown speaks volumes to the company’s continual development of the best marketable product on offer. Being 75 years in existence it has seen a great many changes and always for the better.

“I shall on this note pray for God’s continual blessing upon its workforce, workers and managerial staff, as each continues to put their best foot forward, each man for the good of the other.”

MICHAEL CLARKE (CSG)

MICHAEL CLARKE began his lengthy career with Roberts Manufacturing in February of 1970. “That’s one of the highlights of my life,” Clarke said on being hired at Roberts.

“I was an assistant accountant. Life was a lot more simple back then. I had heard from the secretary of the general manager that there was a vacancy. I applied for the job and got it,” he said.

“A year or two after I started at Roberts, I was promoted to being an accountant and then company secretary, assistant general manager, then general manager, and then, eventually, managing director,” Clarke recalled.

“I started out in Government Hill in the office. We were in a residential area and people would complain about the factory, so we had to buy residential properties to acquire space. We were the first commercial entity in the area when we moved to Lower Estate. That move was another highlight of my career at Roberts,” said Clarke.

“Another highlight would be getting my Master’s Degree in 1997. I had left school in 1967 so that took a lot out of me to go back, but Hilary Roett motivated me to take on that challenge. Roberts has always produced a quality product, which is our mainstay. Roberts has contributed a lot to a lot of persons’ ability to survive over the years,” he said.

According to Clarke, “I actually wanted to make it to the 40 years of service mark but due to health issues I had to retire after 39 years.

I retired in February 2009 at 61. I wish Roberts another 75 years and would like to congratulate them on this milestone. I hope things continue to progress for the company”.

VERNON WEEKES (CSG)

VERNON WEEKES began his Roberts career in 1968. “I hadn’t left school for very long. I was working in a lab in a sugar factory in Warrens which was shut down.

A lady that was working with me at the time knew the general manager at Roberts, Maurice Foster, who was a wonderful guy. So, I came to work at Roberts as a lab assistant,” said Weekes.

“When I look back on my time at Roberts, it was wonderful. It was a good place to work and had a good management structure and a good attitude. It allowed for upward mobility if you were prepared to take on the challenge,” he recalled.

Weekes recalled, “When I started at Roberts I had hoped to stay for ten years and then move on to something different, but instead I stayed for 40 years because it was a good place to be. I moved from being the laboratory assistant to being the technical manager, to production manager, to operation manager, to deputy general manager over my 40 years.”

“I learned a lot and the company was good to me and all the employees. They actually encouraged me to expand my education and supported me financially when I did my degree at St Augustine in Trinidad,” he said.

Weekes further stated, “Roberts offers the opportunity to develop yourself. I feel very proud to have been associated with Roberts. I was here for their 25th anniversary and to be here 50 years after to visit, I’m proud to know I made a contribution to the largest manufacturing company in Barbados”.

DAVID FOSTER DAVID FOSTER began his journey with Roberts in 1992. According to Foster, “When I began my employment with Roberts it was in the position of chief engineer. My training and background had previously been with the sugar industry. The chief engineer’s job at Roberts was to maintain equipment in the factory, which included boiler maintenance, installation of new equipment and upkeep of buildings and grounds. As the plant operated 24 hours a day, five days a week, the maintenance had to be done on weekends.”

“The equipment in a sugar factory is substantially larger but basically has the same fundamental principles. The transition was quite easy for me, apart from the long hours. The introduction of a planned preventative maintenance programme allowed us to schedule carrying out any specific maintenance,” recalled Foster.

He continued, “From the position of chief engineer I was appointed as engineering services manager which carried more responsibility. This involved preparing budgets and sitting in on negotiations with the Barbados Workers Union and attending board meetings to present proposals for upgrades of equipment. My last six years at Roberts were spent as managing director after the retirement of Mr Michael Clarke.”

“The major upgrading of equipment at Roberts was a significant milestone. Upgrading the boilers, the feed plant pellet mill, the Geelen Cooler, thereby making production more efficient were definitely highlights. My promotion to managing director was the pinnacle of my career” he said.

Foster further asserted, “The installation of diesel generators that provided our own electrical power provided the company with a payback period of two years and saved significantly in the operational costs of the plants. The learning experiences at Roberts were very valuable. For two years, I was President of the BMA. The experience at Roberts gave me the confidence to look at a wide range of manufacturers and to assist smaller manufacturers.”

David Foster retired in 2015 after 22 years of service with Roberts Manufacturing and said, “I’d like to say that the team that I worked with in engineering services were some of the very best – all of the electricians, the welders, the mechanics – I couldn’t have done the job without them. The team that made up the management at Roberts has always been excellent.”

RONALD LEEROY YEARWOOD (CSG) RONALD LEEROY YEARWOOD started working with Roberts in 1976. Yearwood recalled, “I was out looking for a job at Light & Power and missed the general manager there on three occasions. I would ride my bicycle to Government Hill where Roberts was.”

At that time, Roberts used to sponsor cyclists. When I got there, the production manager, Mr Mayhew, offered us Christmas jobs. So, I started at Roberts working with their motors.

“I always did whatever I was asked to do. One day I was working on a motor and there was a problem outside with a molasses tank underground. They asked me what was wrong with the motor outside and I was shocked by a current and told them the motor was going to earth. So, I took out a cable and ran a temporary ground and it started working. At the end of my third week, they asked me if I would stay on with Roberts and have been there ever since,” Yearwood said.

Looking back, Yearwood further recalled, “I acquired my wireman’s licence and went to Community College. At that time, I was one of the youngest qualified electricians in Barbados; I was 20. I had worked many odd jobs before coming to Roberts. I and three junior electricians did the wiring for the whole office when Roberts moved to Lower Estate.

“I have had a good run with Roberts and I’m still having a good run. There are more than adequate people at Roberts. I have been fortunate to be employed at Roberts.

The job stretched from three weeks to 43 years and I’m happy with that,” he said.

MELVIN WORRELL (CSG)

MELVIN WORRELL, first started working at Roberts in 1971. In the early days of Roberts at Government Hill, he was the engineering supervisor in the maintenance workshop.

“Roberts, in those days, had a number of different plants – the feed plant, the margarine plant, the canning plant, and the soap plant. The soap plant was the first to go and I remember when that machinery was taken out and shipped to Dominica,” Worrell said.

“My job as engineer was to maintain the equipment that was creating the cans until the canning plant was phased out and then I worked in the margarine plant and later the feed plant,” he recalled.

Over nearly half a century, Worrell had much to reflect on and recalled, “The move from Government Hill was a very memorable experience. When we moved to Lower Estate, the feed plant came under my microscope as engineering supervisor. The process of taking apart the equipment in Government Hill and moving some of it to Lower Estate as well as installing new equipment was an interesting time for Roberts.”

Last year, Worrell retired from Roberts after 47 years of service. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary he said, “Roberts has always done well for its customers. The production at Roberts has been very good. I enjoyed my stint at Roberts; it has been a great experience,” he said.

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true pillar in the Roberts family has been Hilary Roett who passed away just shy of the Roberts 75th anniversary celebrations.

According to all accounts, Roett was a serious, efficient, visionary person who was supremely dedicated to the future and legacy of Roberts Manufacturing.

Hilary Roett was the driving force behind Roberts. He is the one that did a lot of the negotiations with Gerry Harding for Little Woods Foods Company Ltd., Roberts Manufacturing’s largest single customer.

Many of the pillars of the Roberts Manufacturing foundation retain great memories of his service to the company and the people that make the company what it is. Siebert Lashley recalled, “Hilary Roett and I joined the company together in 1957.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

He was my friend, a close friend and a good man.”

For Ronald Leeroy Yearwood, “Hilary Roett was the manager that encouraged me to stay with Roberts and I thank him for his support and understanding. I personally did the electrical wiring for three houses for Hilary Roett when he was building homes in Rowans.”

Melvin Worrell remembered Hilary Roett as, “A very serious man. He was particular in his operation and what he did. He was in touch with all the operations in the plant. As general manager he made sure the company was as productive and efficient as possible.”

Hilary Roett touched many lives and created an environment of potential.

Vernon Weekes said, “I have to thank Hilary Roett for everything I got through Roberts. Hilary Roett

THE LATE Managing Director Hilary Roett (1989-1996) (GP)

became general manager after Maurice Foster. Every promotion that I got, I owe to him. He was a pioneer for Roberts. What we have today is due to him.”

It is well agreed upon that when Hilary Roett had his mind set on a course of action that it was be pursued

bdosagriculturalsociety@caribsurf.com www.basonevoice.org

fervently. David Foster afforded that, “Hilary Roett had been after me for many years from when I was in the sugar industry because I had trained in sugar in the UK. I was happy to remain in the sugar industry until he called me to work with the new refinery and new plant. He actually hired me while he was sick in bed.

He was very dedicated.”

According to Foster, “He made Roberts, as far as I am concerned, what it is today.

He was very innovative. Even though he started out as an accountant, he was always interested in the upgrading of equipment and of the utilisation of the plant etc.

“His groundwork is what makes Roberts what it is today. I would honestly say, as an accountant he showed a lot of interest in the engineering side of Roberts.”

Hilary Roett’s legacy lives on in the foundations of Roberts Manufacturing and the people who have built lives within the company.

According to Michael Clarke, “When Hilary Roett retired, I took over for him as managing director. Roett and myself were instrumental in constructing this complex at Lower Estate.

“He had conceptualised the whole move and sourced

the area. It was Hilary Roett that initiated the pension plan which has taken care of so many Roberts employees.

“It was called the 95 plan.

If your years of service plus your age totalled to 95 then you would not get any reduction in pension. A lot of people were able to retire on that plan at a reasonably young age.

“He pushed me to go for my Master’s degree and thankfully I did and I still have it hanging up in my study at home,” said Clarke.

“He was a no-nonsense person. He knew what he wanted done and went about it to get it done. He was very difficult to convince of something because you had to have all the facts straight to change his mind. I am eternally grateful to him for his assistance for getting me and Roberts where it is,” Clarke said.

Hilary Roett was a gogetter. He is the person who sculpted Roberts into what it is today. His dedication to Roberts was demonstrated by his move from Silver Sands in order to build a house in Rowans so that he could be closer to the plant.

Hilary Roett retired in 1996 and passed in 2019 and Roberts wouldn’t be where it is today without him.

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

JASON SAMBRANO – Managing Director. (CSG) ADMIN and HSSE headed by Managing Director Jason Sambrano. he administrative team of Ephna and Sonia play a vital role in effectively coordinating tasks within the organisation or keeping sanity to an otherwise crazy pace of work at Roberts. Their work ethic and ability to coordinate complex tasks is a skill not easily replicated. They are truly an essential to our family here at Roberts and are an indispensable part of performing my duties as Managing Director.

EPHNA HINKSON and Sonia Nurse – Admin Department. (CSG)

Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Department, supervised by Erwin Collymore, HSSE Officer THIS DEPARTMENT is responsible for promoting the health and safety of all Roberts’ stakeholders through effective occupational safety and health management practices.

Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) provides services and leadership in the areas of occupational illness and injuries risk management, environmental monitoring, fire safety, chemical safety, facility and equipment safety and employee safety training programmes.

Our goal is to ensure that Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited is a safe and healthy environment to work and conduct business.

ERWIN COLLYMORE (right) and Wayne Springer – HSSE Department. (CSG)

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

Finance department headed by Kesha Osford, Chief Financial Officer. he finance department consists of ten personnel.

The team is headed by the Chief financial officer (CFO) – Kesha Osford and reporting directly to her is the Accountant- Cameron Pile. There are two assistant

KESHA OSFORD – Chief Financial Officer. (CSG)

BACK ROW - Kezia Nurse, Roseann Skeete, Karisha Small, Cherrydan Lucas, Deborah Grainger, Stefan Seale. Middle row – Jacqueline Best Gurceyne Williams, Priscillia Franklyn, Paula Alleyne, Sade Clarke.

Front row – Cameron Pile, Kesha Osford. (CSG) Reception and Accounts THE COMPANY’S main reception area is manned by Roseann Skeete (cashier) and Paula Alleyne (receptionist). These ladies

are responsible for answering incoming calls to the company as well as receiving payment for purchases or payments on account.

KLYE ALBERT and Cardinal Clarke. (CSG) Information Technologies OUR IT department consists of our IT analyst – Kyle Albert and a support staff – Cardinal Clarke.

This department oversees the installation and maintenance

of computer network systems within the company. The team is responsible for installing the proper hardware and software necessary to keep the network functioning properly.

accountants and six clerks. This team is responsible for planning, organising, auditing, accounting for and controlling the company’s finances. Management accounts are prepared monthly and audited financial statements annually.

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

ADRIAN YARD – Senior Manager. (CSG) Purchasing, Farm Services, Farm and Pet Mart, Finished Warehouse - headed by Adrian Yard.

Purchasing Department his department is responsible for procuring the materials required to manufacture our products.

The department has links to many continents including North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

The department is responsible for the approval of our suppliers, negotiating the best prices with those suppliers and sourcing multiple suppliers of each product to ensure consistent and reliable source of raw materials Farm Service Department Farm Service provides the link between our manufacturing plant and our feed customers.

This department assist in the training of our customers to

MICHAEL PIERCE – Senior Supervisor. (CSG)

WAREHOUSE – back row (from left) Carson Chases, Fedo Payne, Michael Hunte Jeffrey French, Joseph Waithe, Sean Spencer, Anderson Carrington, Shacquille Clarke, Ezra Leacock, lan Dottin, Kris Holder and Adrian Yard. Front Row (from left) Michael Pierce, Mike Ryan, Llewellyn Hinkson, Nige Alleyne, Charlse Merritt, Shemma Springer, Kerry Belgrave, Dale Currency and Rawle Lynch. Missing is Errol Garner. (CSG)

allow them to obtain the best results from our feeds. This department organises seminars and displays such as our booth at Agrofest.

Roberts Farm & Pet Mart supervised by Verstine Sargeant, Senior Supervisor Our retail store, formerly called the Roberts Farm Store was rebranded as the Roberts Farm & Pet Mart since it offers sells so much more than animal feeds. It now offers a wide range of pet products, garden supplies and farm equipment.

Finished Product Warehouse supervised by Michael Pierce, Senior Supervisor The Warehouse is responsible for the supply of bagged feed, Dog Food, margarine and oil to Barbados and the region. The department coordinates the delivery of bagged feed to shops and farms throughout Barbados and Margarine and oil shipments throughout the regions.

ADRIAN YARD (centre), John Gardiner (left) and Dario Bryan – Farm Services. (CSG)

VERSTINE SARGEANT – Farm and Pet Mart Senior Supervisor. (CSG)

PAULA KINCH and Diana Greeindge – Purchasing.

FARM AND PET MART – Back row (from left) Kareem Pinder, Adisa Moore, Kyle Walcott, Akeem Franklyn and Adrian Yarde. Front row (from left) Dwayne Gill, Davied Skeete, Verstine Sargeant, Tanya Miller, Carlos Alleyne and Roslyn Bolden. (CSG)

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

Operations Planning and Control Centre headed

by Joseph ‘Jerry’ Edwards, Operations Manager he team of three is responsible for developing and updating 12-month production forecasts and, from those, weekly production schedules for each of the three manufacturing plants.

The team measures and collects baseline data to track and report production downtime, process efficiencies, wastage, quality performance, manufacturing costs and customer service performance - all for continuous improvement in the operations of the three plants and in our customer order delivery process.

JOSEPH ‘JERRY’ EDWARDS – Operations Manager in charge of Operations Planning and Control Centre, Shortening & Margarine Team, Feed Plant Team, Extraction Plant, Engineering Services Department and Quality Assurance. (CSG)

OPERATIONS, PLANNING AND CONTROL TEAM: Sonia Bragg, Andre Barnum and Deborah Mayers. (CSG)

TONY SPENCER – Feed Plant Manager. (CSG)

Feed Plant headed by Tony Spencer, Feed Plant Manager PINNACLE FEEDS LTD employs 27 FEED PLANT TEAM – Back row (from left) Carlo Thomas, Michael Clarke, Arleigh Gibson, Junior Harry, Adrian persons working 3 shifts to produce Holligan, Roger Trotman, Corey Charles, Charles Bowen, Mario Arthur, William Ifill, Damian Walcott and Matthew the equivalent of 2 million bags of Norris. Front row (from left) John Layne, Andre Odle, Terrol Alleyne, Tony Spencer, Leon Lashley, Kirk Thompson, feed annually, using automated Emmerson Hinkson, Randolph Maloney and Jerry Edwards. Missing are Martin Johnson, Omar Layne, Fabian systems under a strict regime of Smith, Jason Gittens and Tedson Greene. (CSG) international standards of quality, Good Manufacturing Practices and safety.

With 30 different types of feed produced under appropriate programmes of bio-security and continuous improvement, we provide only safe products, formulated with high-quality corn, soybean meal, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients to promote good health across several classes of livestock and poultry for the consuming public.

alanarmstrongassociates@hotmail.com

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

CHRISTOPHER BRATHWAITE – Extraction Manager. (CSG) Extraction Plant – headed by Christopher Brathwaite, Extraction Manager he extraction plant produces essential raw materials for the Oil/Margarine Plant and for the Feed Plant.

A team of 17 individuals carefully control various process parameters to extract crude oil from soybeans and transfer that liquid to the refining process after which it reaches the Oil/Margarine plant as cooking oil, ready as “Sunrise”.

The protein-rich soymeal, left behind after oil extraction, is conveyed to the feed plant as a vital ingredient, or is exported across the Caribbean.

EXTRACTION TEAM – Front row (from left), Ade Alexander, Henderson Weekes, Chad Lowe, Almart Applewaithe, Vandrick Padmoore, Mark Bovell and Andre Lynch. Back row (from left), Christopher Small, Shane Paris, Christopher Brathwaite and Charles Brewster. Missing are Roger Holligan, John Taylor, Eustace Weekes, Jason Wooding, Winston Hunte and Pierre Richards. (CSG)

ENGINEERING – Back row (from left), Tremaine Sampson, Terence Porte, Pedro Waithe, RomeI Francis, Jason Roachford, Askia Alleyne, Kenny Parris, Anson Depeiza and Obrien Wilkinson (partly hidden). Front row (from left) Menilik Bryan, Kodi Belgrave, Wayne Carrington, Leon Hing, Gilli Jonteaux David Joseph, Nolan Small and Haakim Baker. Missing are Ronald Yearwood, Hallam Cheltenham, Stephan Cupid, Shaquille Hollingsworth, Wayne Cumberbatch and Ravier Weekes. (CSG) Engineering Services Department headed by Gilli Jonteaux, Engineering Services Manager THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT has main responsibility for servicing and maintaining the entire compliment of machinery within the Plants, the auxiliary equipment such as generators, steam boilers and air compressors; the facilities and the vehicle fleet. We specifyand procure equipment

GILLI JONTEAUX – Engineering Services Manager. (CSG)

and spares to support the manufacturing processes and lead various capital improvement projects such as equipment installations and facility renovations.

The department accomplishes these activities through a dedicated team of 20 engineers and technicians who specialize in electrical & mechanical engineering, automation, welding, fabrication and facilities maintenance.

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

The Quality Assurance Team headed by NadineBenn Greaves (Quality Assurance Manager) he quality assurance team comprises of 11 employees. The team ensures all products manufactured within the various manufacturing plants are of the highest standard and meet all specified requirements. This includes the testing of all raw materials as well as packaging used in production QUALITY ASSURANCE TEAM – Back row (from left) Kerry Mckenzie, T’Sean Rollock, Shanice Prince, as well as all final products.

Michelle Browne and Carlyle Jones. Front row (from left) Christiane Trotman, Nadine Benn-Greaves, Our department heads New Product Development Charmaine Hinds and Shenelda Holder. Missing are Ernelle Lorde and Riechmarc Williams. (CSG) and Food Safety. Our New Products Team transform product ideas into a reality while our Food Safety Team carries out monthly audits to ensure our people, process and premises meet local and international food safety and quality regulations.

ROGER ABRAM – S&M Manager.

Shortening & Margarine Team (CSG)

(CSG)

Shortening & Margarine Production Plant headed by Roger Abram WITH A TEAM of 33, the Shortening and Margarine plant produces a variety of cooking oils, shortenings and margarines for household consumption and for commercial use in the baking, restaurant, catering and food manufacturing industries, with specialty

products such as liquid margarines, reduced fat spreads and puff pastry margarine.

Quality is of the utmost importance.

We have in place an active programme of Good Manufacturing Practices and our products, procedures and processes conform to international best practices of HACCP and ISO 9001.

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your milestone! Your dedication to excellence will secure future success.

Roberts Manufacturing Co. Ltd. celebrating their 75th Anniversary!

G4S Secure Solutions (St. Lucia) Limited Choc Estate, P.O. Box CP6098, Castries Tel: (758) 450-7233 • Fax: (758) 450-1700 Website: www.g4s.com Email: security@lc.g4s.com

G4S Secure Solutions (Grenada) Limited Maurice Bishop Highway, Grand Anse, St. George’s Tel: (473) 439-7233 • Fax: (473) 439-7237 Website: www.g4s.com Email: security@gd.g4s.com

G4S Secure Solutions (Barbados) Limited Brighton, Black Rock, St. Michael Tel: (246) 417-7233(SAFE) • Fax: (246) 421-7574 Website: www.g4s.com | Email: security@bb.g4s.com

nichollsbakery@gmail.com

@NICHOLLSBAKINGCO

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

Human Resources Department headed by Allison KirtonHolder, Human Resources Manager

ALLISON KIRTON-HOLDER – Human Resources Manager. (CSG)

he human resources department is headed by Allison Kirton-Holder, Human Resources Manager and supported by Natalie Deane, Human Resource Assistant.

These professionals are committed to the provision of services which support the business function. They manage the employment cycle from recruitment to the demission of office.

These include but are not limited to; training & development, compensation, industrial relations, employee benefits administration, recruitment and selection, and performance management.

They are charged with supporting the transformation of the company. For them, employee engagement, managing change and culture are vital aspects of this process.

NATALIE DEANE and Allison Kirton-Holder. (CSG)

DONNA BRANCH – Sales and Marketing Manager. (CSG)

Sales & Marketing Dept. headed by Donna Branch, Sales and Marketing Manager THE SALES & MARKETING department consists of two Marketing Representatives and the Sales & Marketing Manager. The core objectives are naturally to grow our products market share and distribution across the region and beyond.

This of course is based from a combined effort of the department’s team to not only be innovative but most importantly to strategically educate our consumers about the quality and heart healthy benefits of our products, while encouraging their feedback for improvement possibilities.

Customer care and relationships are the absolute core foundation of Roberts existence and therefore the department endeavours to ensure that all our customers are pleased with our level of service, product quality and overall performance. As it is a result of our loyal customers that we have existed for 75 years.

SALES, MARKETING AND SHIPPING TEAMS – Back row (from left) Denis Maynard and Terrel Niles. Front row (from left), Donna Branch and Paula Wilkinson. (CSG) Shipping Deptartment THE SHIPPING department is handled by one Shipping Representative and managed by the Sales & Marketing Manager. The role of our Shipping department is to ensure that all our customers purchase orders are shipped per their request and received in good order. Internal and external customer relationships and tremendous prioritization are essential to the success of this department. A high level of dependency is placed on various personnel to provide the necessary documentation, container bookings and certifications needed to enable effective and efficient shipping of goods. Shipping, a major artery in our business.

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

ALTMARK APPLEWAITHE taking a Soy meal cake sample from the Dryer for testing. (GP)

ANDRE LYNCH taking a sample of cooked Soybeans from the Extruder for testing. (GP)

Roberts Manufacturing has served their clients and customers well over the years.

Naturally they insist on using our full range of locks.

T.H. Best Locking Systems (W.I.) Ltd.

"Sefton Lodge", Brittons Cross Road, St. Michael.

Tel: 429-8763 Fax: 429-3504 thbestlocksbarbados@caribsurf.com

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

CHAD LOWE carries out an inspection of Soy meal oil as it exits the Oil Press. (GP)

VANRICK PADMORE carrying out preliminary testing of the cooked Soy meal. (GP)

Congratulations to

Roberts Manufacturing on 75 years serving Barbados.

caribsupply

CHEAPSIDE, BRIDGETOWN. Tel: 436-6788

sales@caribsupply.com • www.caribsupply.com

info@hindstransport.com I www.hindstransport.com

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

We Congratulate Roberts Manufacturing on their

75

th

Anniversary

Warrens, St. Michael • Tel: (246) 417-7777 • www.simpson-motors.com

Sunday, March 24, 2019

email: pars@caribsurf.com

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

ROBERTS MANUFACTURING STAFF distributing food as part of their community outreach efforts. (GP)

hether it is sponsoring Agrofest, Junior Dueling Challenge, or giving back to the community that has helped them thrive in any way, Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited is always there to lend a helping hand and show appreciation for its supporters.

Over the years, RMCO has been a part of so many different events from the old Roberts Crop Over truck to giving sustenance back to those in need, the name Roberts goes hand in hand with not

only quality products, but quality people.

Roberts Manufacturing Co. Limited is always reaching out to the community in ways that mean something special. The Barbados Loves Dogs Facebook.com community is brought to you by Roberts dog foods (Roberts, Vitapet, and Nutripet).

The page is filled with information, trivia, tips, and a great community spirit for animal lovers.

Roberts also operates the Caribbean Loves Cooking Facebook.com community

dedicated to developing a harmonious and environmentally conscious organization. Caribbean Loves Cooking was created by cooking fans at Roberts Manufacturing and is for everyone who enjoys cooking.

In conjunction with the celebrations of their 75th anniversary, the Roberts team came together to give the gift of food in Queens Park. You can keep up with Robert’s year long celebrations through following their social media.

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Sunday, March 24, 2019

Did You Know ...that Vitapet Dog Food & Puppy Foods are specially formulated to: Maintain intestinal health | Increase mental sharpness | Strengthen your pet’s immune system

...that Nutripet Dog Food provides: A Good Source of Energy | High Protein Formula | Omega 3&6 for a healthier heart, skin & coat Uniquely shaped pellets with a great taste

...that Roberts Chicken & Rice Dog Food provides:

A balanced nutrition with a meaty flavour | Easy to digest pellets | Strengthen your pet’s immune system Maintain intestinal health | Increase mental sharpness

Vitapet, Nutripet and Roberts Chicken & Rice contains 43 nutrients including: MINERALS

CARBOHYDRATES & FATS Energy, Healthy Skin & Coat VITAMINS

Body Function & Reproduction

PROTEIN

FAT

AGE

ROBERTS DOG FOOD

18%

7%

4 YEARS & OLDER

NUTRIPET DOG FOOD

21%

12%

ALL AGES

VITAPET PUPPY FOOD

27%

12%

UP TO 1 YEAR

VITAPET DOG FOOD

22%

10%

1- 4 YEARS OR ACTIVE DOGS

/barbadoslovesdogs 429-2131

www.rmco.com

Strong Bones & Teeth

AMINO ACIDS Growth & Reproduction

Can be used by younger dogs

..

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Sunday, March 24, 2019