It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Andy Penton, whose vision, character and commitment helped shape P&D Manufacturing – and the wider Avon Group.
Mark Rushin, Managing Director of Avon Group, pays tribute:
“Avon acquired P&D from Andy Penton and Tony Payne in the summer of 2005. Tony subsequently moved on, and so Andy and I marched on together, expanding the business through a deep and dramatic recession and the everyday trials and tribulations of manufacturing life.
“Our fortnightly meetings were always lively. We shared our views, disagreed where we disagreed, and agreed the way forward over a working lunch.
“The relocation to our dedicated facility in Calne was managed by Andy; including the site development and internal production flows. The internal mezzanine was a point of contention between us for some time, but in the end Andy won, and his decision proved right.
“Andy’s retirement came at the right time, and I know he made the most of his post-P&D chapter.
“Andy was there from the beginning of our expansion. He left an impression on everyone he worked with, and I continue to miss him.
“We send our love and condolences to the Penton family.”
