Toast of the town: Mayor of Rochdale celebrates 25 years at renowned bakery company

The Mayor of Rochdale Shakil Ahmed, joined by consort Councillor Rachel Massey, marked a significant personal milestone this week with a visit to Allied Bakeries.

The mayor, who has served as a truck driver for the company for 25 years, was celebrated during the visit, which also aimed to strengthen ties between Rochdale and the business. Carol Hopkins from the Rochdale Development Agency also attended to build connections with the company.

Hosted by John Finnigan, logistics manager, the visit included a comprehensive tour of the bakery led by Tim Bright, regional general manager.

John offered an in-depth look at the operations, from mixing flour to the final packaging of bread, rolls, crumpets, and pancakes.

 

 

The facility, which operates around the clock, is already scaling up production in anticipation of Easter demand for hot cross buns.

During the visit, the mayor demonstrated his driving skills, taking one of Allied Bakeries' trucks for a spin, with Consort Councillor Massey riding as a passenger.

The mayor’s ease behind the wheel highlighted the professionalism and experience gained during his long career.

The mayor said: “It’s an incredible honour to represent Rochdale and to celebrate my 25 years at Allied Bakeries. I’m immensely proud of the work my colleagues and I do every day to deliver fresh bread to families across the country.

"Today was a chance to showcase the pride, skill, and teamwork that go into making such a staple product.”

Consort Councillor Massey shared her thoughts on the day: “Riding as a passenger while the mayor expertly drove the truck was such a memorable experience.

"It gave me a real appreciation for the skill and responsibility involved in this vital role. We owe so much to the workers and drivers who ensure we have fresh bread on our tables every morning. It’s a privilege to celebrate this milestone with the mayor and his colleagues.”

To commemorate the occasion, John Finnigan presented the mayor with a long-service award. Finnigan said:
“It was lovely to host the mayor, Councillor Massey, and the team today.

"Shakil is a valued member of our team and an excellent ambassador for Allied Bakeries. His 25 years of service reflect his dedication, professionalism, and pride in his role. We hope everyone enjoyed seeing the work behind the scenes.”

The visit also emphasised Allied Bakeries’ commitment to fostering the next generation of workers, as the company partners with local communities to promote career opportunities.

Many employees boast impressive long-service records, including one driver who has been with the company for 51 years.

Established in 1935, Allied Bakeries’ Stockport site is among the world’s largest bread plants. It produces household names such as Kingsmill, Allinson’s, and Sunblest.

The site’s fleet of trucks covers 45,000 miles weekly, completing 500 deliveries to ensure fresh bread reaches stores every morning.