Celebrating a three-generation legacy at wienerberger with the Alden Family

At wienerberger, everything we do is shaped by our people, their shared experiences, dedication, and commitment to building careers and legacies that stand the test of time.

This Father’s Day, we are celebrating the Alden family; a story that brings these values to life. Spanning three generations, from grandfather to father and son, their career journey at wienerberger reflects hard work, continuous learning, and a deep-rooted connection to the industry we serve. 

Curtis Alden, Production Operative and Team Lead, wienerberger UK & Ireland speaks about working in the same organisation as both his father and grandfather.

“I am a third-generation family member to work at wienerberger. My grandfather worked here, my dad has been working here for forty-two (42 years), even before I was born, and I’ve worked here for eleven (11) years now.

When I first started at wienerberger’s Broomfleet site as a Production Operative, I handled a range of setting and packing tasks. I progressed to a Press Operator role, and I’ve recently taken on the role of Deputy Team Leader.

As a Press Operator, I am responsible for the start of the wet tile making process. That involves checking all the specifications and making sure they meet quality guidelines. I also make sure the area is safe for everybody and running as it should. As a Deputy Team Leader, I look after the staff, making sure we’ve got everything needed for the day-to-day jobs. I also look after the factory, especially on night shifts, and monitor the site operations, ensuring all the tallies from the day and night shifts are input into the system.

At the start of the wet tile making process, we receive clay from the box feeder, which goes into the screen feeder and then passes into an extruder. That pushes the clay out and towards the press. When it reaches the press, it forms tiles. The tiles are then removed from the mould onto trays, either two at a time or four at a time depending on the product. They then move across onto dryer cars and into the dryer. By the end of the shift, we usually have produced around 16,000 to 17,000 tiles.

Although I work with my Dad on the same site, we don’t work on the same shift, so we only see each other in passing. When I first started, it was difficult because people saw me as my Dad’s son, but over the years I’ve grown and people now see me for me and for the work that I do. I’m proud of my Dad. He’s done multiple roles over the years and is highly respected around the factory, and it’s really nice to hear people speak very highly of him.”  — Curtis Alden.

Curtis’ father, Martin Alden, General Operative, is continuing a path passed down to him, having once worked alongside his own father, who was also part of wienerberger many years ago. 

“I started working at wienerberger because my Dad was working here at the time. I joined in March 1984 and since then have moved around different departments covering various roles which includes looking after the kiln and helping run parts of the factory.

I’m 65 now and will probably retire at the end of this year. I’ve gained a lot of experience from working in different processes and different parts of the factory over the years and built-up knowledge of how everything runs. If somebody was looking to join the company, I would recommend it. I’ve worked here for most of my life, and it’s been steady, solid work over the years.

Working with my son, Curtis has been very enjoyable. A lot of the knowledge I’ve gained over the years has been passed on, whether that’s doing things the right way or helping others improve. I’ve shared what I’ve learned and tried to help where I can. He’s also picked up things on his own, and I’m proud of him.” — Martin Alden.

With Martin’s retirement in view, Curtis is glad he shared good moments with his dad and is grateful for the legacy that has been passed down to him. 

“Dear Dad, I know you’ve worked hard for the past 42 years and will be retiring this year. I just want to say how proud I am of everything you’ve achieved in your career here at wienerberger. Over the years, you’ve helped me grow as a person at work and given me tips along the way and I am grateful. I wish you happy retirement when the time comes, and I hope you really enjoy it."  — Curtis Alden.

Happy Father’s Day to you and all the amazing Dads out there, from all of us at wienerberger UK & Ireland.