Historic Shirley-based manufacturer welcomes youngest employee

Thor Hammer, the Shirley-headquartered heritage manufacturing company, has welcomed its youngest employee.

Lewis Foster, 17, joins the company as a production operative following the retirement of Keith Hibert, who had been with the company from school until retirement.

Lewis becomes Thor Hammer’s youngest employee, beginning his career in manufacturing and carrying on the tradition of skilled craftsmanship that has been a hallmark of the business for decades.

Lewis said: “I enjoy working at Thor because I feel more independent, and I have really good management and colleagues who look after me and teach me new things every day.

"To anyone young who feels like I did, Thor – and manufacturing as a whole – is an amazing place to start your adulthood.”

Thor Hammer produces a wide range of hammers and mallets used across construction, manufacturing, engineering, and restoration work, with a reputation for quality, durability, and British craftsmanship.

Pictured: Lewis and Keith