Co Antrim lorry driver’s 45-year milestone leads major staff celebration at Pilgrim’s Europe

Kevin Traynor, celebrating 45 years with Pilgrim’s Europe pictured at the company’s 2026 Long Service Celebration event in Belfast.

A County Antrim lorry driver with 45 years of service has taken centre stage at a major celebration honouring decades of dedication across Pilgrim’s Europe sites in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Kevin Traynor, from Ballymoney, was among 90 employees recognised at the company’s 2026 Long Service Celebration, held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

Together, the group represented an extraordinary 2,235 years of combined service — a powerful reflection of loyalty and long-term commitment within the workforce.

Decades behind the wheel

Kevin’s 45-year career stands out as one of the longest among those honoured, highlighting not just personal dedication but the vital role long-serving staff play in keeping operations moving day in, day out.

He was joined by fellow lorry driver Thomas Magowan from Aughnacloy, who marked an even rarer milestone of 50 years with the company.

Also recognised for exceptional service were Richard Ward, a skilled operative, and Robert Armstrong, a process operative, both from Dungannon, each celebrating 40 years with the business.

90 employees honoured across the region

Some of the team from Pilgrim’s Europe at the company’s 2026 Long Service Celebration event in Belfast.

The event brought together team members from across Pilgrim’s Europe sites in Northern Ireland and Ireland, each reaching significant career milestones.

The scale of the achievement — more than two millennia of combined service — underlines the strength of experience within the company and its ability to retain skilled employees over generations.

‘At the heart of our company’

Kirsty Wilkins, Chief People Officer at Pilgrim’s Europe, praised the contribution of those recognised.

“Congratulations to all of our long serving team members on reaching these incredible career milestones. We know each and every person recognised has made a lasting impression on the company – from the skills they have developed to the friendships made along the way.

“We are so proud that so many people have trusted Pilgrim’s Europe as a place to grow and progress their careers. They are at the heart of our company and have all helped shaped it into the successful business it is today.”

Part of wider recognition programme

The celebration forms part of Pilgrim’s Europe’s wider recognition scheme, which honours employees across its UK and Ireland operations, as well as colleagues in France and the Netherlands.

For Kevin Traynor and his fellow long-serving colleagues, the event was not just about years counted — but about decades of contribution that continue to shape the company today.

At a glance

• Ballymoney driver Kevin Traynor celebrated 45 years with Pilgrim’s Europe

• 90 employees honoured across Northern Ireland and Ireland

• Combined service total reached 2,235 years

• Thomas Magowan marked 50 years with the company

• Two Dungannon employees reached 40-year milestones

• Event held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast

• Recognition part of wider UK, Ireland and European programme

• Highlights long-term staff loyalty and experience within the company