This week we have given a special send-off to one of our most long-standing employees, who is retiring after 30 years’ service.

Roger Magee, 70, of Sidcup began his career at our former headquarters in Erith in 1988, where he worked his way up from a Warehouse Operative to Manager in just three years. Throughout his three decades at Europa, Roger has been part of major shifts in the logistics industry, from the introduction of new technology to continuous developments in Health and Safety.

Roger considered retiring four years ago we moved to our new £30m facility in Albion Road in Dartford but said he is so pleased he stayed on to see the business settle into its market-leading new home – which was part of a major rebrand and restructure of the business led by the new MD Andrew Baxter.

He said: “I’ve had a fantastic career at Europa and have loved the variety of my job since the moment I first walked into the warehouse. When I started in Erith, the role was 85% manual handling and we would handle anything from an envelope to a JCB – now, as I retire, Europa’s operation is the slickest and most efficient it has ever been thanks to new processes, equipment and technology in the warehouse.
“I’m so pleased I decided to stay on when the business was acquired by Andrew Baxter in 2013 and the decision was made to move our HQ to Dartford. The transformation is incredible. I would have felt so curious driving over the Dartford Crossing and seeing that impressive building if I’d never been in.

“The last 30 years have been very rewarding. I’ve worked with wonderful people, learnt new things all the time and feel like I’ve been part of something really important through the rebrand and the bedding in of the Dartford facility. All the best to everyone at Europa in the future – I know you’ll continue to be the best logistics operator out there!

Our HR Director Carl Potter added: “Congratulations to Roger on his retirement. He’s been part of the business’s evolution into the forward-thinking and innovative company it is today and has played an important role in contributing to its success. We wish Roger a very happy and relaxing retirement and thank him for 30 years of dedication and commitment to the business.”

Grandfather of two Roger plans to spend his retirement doing the things he enjoys most – spending time with his family, walking, biking, rowing and doing DIY and photography.