Christina Dahlberg with Hansells’ more than 80-year history of food product packaging. PHOTO/GIANINA SCHWANECKE
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Christina Dahlberg is hanging up her apron and taking off her hairnet after more than 30 years of service at food packing distributor, Masterton Hansells.
The 68-year-old mum of five retired on Thursday after 32 years with the company.
What started as a casual “nine to three” job sorting popcorn on line three, soon led to a full-time role.
“My first role was casual but after two weeks [the boss] said, ‘You’ve got the job’. And that was it.”
She then moved to the liquids and bottle filling department.
Hansells Masterton also makes Vitafresh, Weight Watchers’ products, Chef’s Kitchen dessert mixes, Thriftee, artificial sweeteners and curry powders.
Dahlberg said she’d seen huge technological developments in her three decades with the company.
“[When I started] it was a fast line. Much faster than what it is now.
“I’m still used to the fast line.”
Initially, she thought she’d be with the company for six or seven years but said she stayed because of the people.
She expressed a deep sense of gratitude to Hansells Masterton executive chairman Alan Stewart.
In 2014, Stewart saved the Masterton factory from closure by putting together a consortium to purchase it.
“We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him,” she said.
“He’s the reason we have jobs here.”
Dahlberg said the company was like family to her and she would miss working there.
“I just love the place.
“I’m going to miss it and the people here, very much.”
For her retirement she’s planning on travelling the country, traversing both the North and South islands by rail with her husband Richard.
Have a happy retirement Bobby. You and Richard can go wherever you want and enjoy yourselves.Good times and Good luck to both of you