Eddie Neesom tribute
Eddie Neesom MBE, founder of Hunprenco, passed away on 7 December 2022 aged 90.
Having left school in 1947, Mr Neesom started a five-year apprenticeship with English Electric Co in Bradford, UK. He returned to work there following two years’ national military service with the Royal Engineers before moving to the steel industry. Initially on his own, Mr Neesom then founded Hunprenco in 1969, utilising his engineering and machining expertise to offer solutions to glassmakers that were struggling to source good quality plungers.
Mr Neesom instigated rapid and consistent growth at Hunprenco, which is today recognised as a leading plunger and cooler manufacturer for the international glass container industry.
In recent years, Hunprenco has overseen a major expansion of its Filey site in North Yorkshire and Mr Neesom was awarded an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for Rural Economy in North Yorkshire – Services to export(s).
On the occasion of Hunprenco’s 50th anniversary in 2019, Mr Neesom shared with Glass Worldwide a key factor in the company’s success: “Our motto is ‘You have to take care of people’. This refers not just to customers but also to employees. The secret is to get to know people and investments into our team is at the core of everything we do.”
This sentiment reflects how highly respected Mr Neesom was by everyone at Hunprenco, and how sorely he will be missed.
Mr Neesom was still actively involved in the business, which was acquired by Lattimer Group Ltd in 2022. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters Helen, Jane and Sarah and son Tim – the latter three having worked at Hunprenco over the years. Jane Kinroy, Mr Neesom’s daughter said: “I worked closely by my dad’s side for 43 years and cannot imagine my life without this most gorgeous man. He knew he was highly respected throughout the industry and that meant everything to him. His passing has left us feeling quite broken right now but he would want us to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone that supported him throughout his life. People meant so much to him and he made sure he instilled that in all his four children. Thank you Hunprenco for giving him a reason to put on his suit and tie every day and smile his way through life. He has left an amazing legacy and was so proud of everyone and he will be eternally missed.”
“We are all devastated at this news and our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and all the family,” added Chris Houghton, Technical Director at Hunprenco.
