Red Stripe has recognised 22 employees for a combined 520 years of service at its 2026 Long Service Awards, reinforcing the role of workforce stability in supporting Jamaica’s manufacturing sector. 

Held at the company’s Vibes Bar at its Spanish Town Road brewery, the ceremony honoured one employee with 15 years of service, four at 20 years, and 17 employees who have reached 25 years, a level of tenure that remains uncommon in today’s labour market.

The recognition comes as manufacturers continue to prioritise retention, skills development and operational continuity in an increasingly competitive environment. Long-serving employees play a critical role in maintaining production standards, transferring technical expertise and supporting efficiency across operations.

Managing Director Daaf van Tilburg said the milestones reflect both individual commitment and the company’s approach to employee development.

“We are in the people business of selling beer. Behind every product is experience, discipline and pride built over time,” he said. “These milestones represent employees who have developed with the business, contributed to our standards and supported our ability to operate at a consistently high level in Jamaica.”

He noted that sustained tenure strengthens institutional knowledge, which is essential in a manufacturing setting where precision, safety and consistency directly impact output and quality.

Among those recognised was packaging operator Brenton Lewis, who marked 25 years with the company. He described his career as one defined by continuous learning and opportunity.

“Over the years, I’ve been able to build my skills and grow within the company,” Lewis said. “Reaching 25 years is a significant milestone for me and my family, and it reflects the opportunities that exist when you stay committed.”

Industry observers have pointed to employee retention as a key factor in maintaining competitiveness within Jamaica’s manufacturing sector, particularly as companies invest in modernisation, energy efficiency and expanded production capacity. Experienced employees provide continuity during these transitions, helping to balance innovation with operational reliability.

Red Stripe’s leadership emphasised that its investment in workforce development includes training, career progression and workplace standards remains central to business performance and its wider economic contribution.

The company, which has operated in Jamaica for over a century, continues to be a significant employer within the manufacturing value chain, with long-serving staff forming a core part of its operational base.

The Long Service Awards, while celebratory, also signal a broader business reality: in a sector where productivity and technical expertise are critical, retaining experienced talent is directly linked to sustained output and national economic impact.