ONE of the best known names in Worcester's engineering industry, Mike Hadley, general manager of Lynrose Engineer-ing on the city's Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, is retiring.

After a 48-year career, he has decided to take a two month break to Australia - but he is planning to return as a part-time consultant.

Educated at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Bromyard, Mr Hadley started his working life in 1958 as an apprentice at a fire engine manufacturing company. He then joined a worldwide company manufacturing electric melting equipment for steel foundries.

After 12 months Mr Hadley was promoted to a senior management position and travelled extensively over the next 10 years to the US, Turkey and around Europe.

In 1977 he and a partner Pat Williams started their own engineering company. The chosen name was a combination of Lynda - of his late wife's name - and the name of his partner's wife Rosmary. Hence Lynrose Engineering was born.

The company decided to concentrate on flame-cutting, which was a big risk since neither men had experience in the trade. Nevertheless they ran a very successful operation for 19 years, until an arsonist struck in December 1995, and two thirds of their factory was destroyed.

Limited production restarted within three weeks, but by then Pat Williams wanted to get out, so the company was put on the market.

Lynrose was bought by Malthouse Engineering in June 1996 and Mike Hadley stayed with the company as general manager to oversee the business for the new owners.

He developed good relations with the management of the firm and it has been able to expand into new areas. It now employs 11 people.

"I've had a great time in engineering," said Mike, "but now I think it's time to step back and take a less active role."