While most people view 80 as the finish line for their professional life, Muayid “Moe” Bedrosian, a General Labourer at Plasman Tecumseh Manufacturing, sees it as just another milestone in a journey he’s not yet ready to conclude. His decision to continue working, day after day, year after year, speaks less to his personal need for employment and everything to the exceptional, family-like culture fostered by the organization he joined over two decades ago.
Moe, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday on the plant floor, is an embodiment of resilience. Born in Iraq in 1945, his early life was marked by upheaval. Moe left for Kuwait in 1970 and remained there until 1991.After completing mandatory military service and marrying his wife, Nini, in 1977, instability forced a difficult separation. Nini and their three children—Dawood, Diana, and Sarah—settled first in Cyprus for two years, and then India for three.
The family finally reunited and arrived in Canada as landed immigrants in July 1995. The transition was tough: Moe’s first Canadian job was a single shift a week at a gas station for $6.85 an hour, followed by physically demanding construction work. It wasn’t until February 2002, when he joined Plasman as a temporary associate (quickly becoming a full-time General Labourer), that he found the stable, supportive environment he now considers home.
A Culture of Respect, Not Chronology
Moe’s continued presence is a visible indicator of Plasman’s deep-seated values. During a recent celebration marking his 80th birthday—where many of his colleagues joined in to surprise him with a cake and well wishes—Colette Labadie, HR Manager at Tecumseh Manufacturing, highlighted the core connection.
“We were so surprised to realize that Moe is the oldest active employee in Plasman North America at 80 years old!” said Labadie. “Every day, Moe brings hard work, happiness, great energy, and dedication that inspire us all. We are incredibly grateful to have him on our Tecumseh Manufacturing Team and proud to celebrate him and his amazing contributions.”
“His service, his military background—it’s visible in every meticulous piece of work he does; his discipline is unmatched,” said Richard Brooke, Operations Manager, Tecumseh Manufacturing. “But more than the work ethic, it’s his personality that lights up the facility. We run a relentless, fast-paced environment here, and yet you’ll never hear a single complaint from him—only gratitude. He doesn’t just work with his colleagues; he inspires them. They don’t just respect him, they adore him. The pure joy he takes in his job is infectious. Honestly, seeing how genuinely appreciative he is to still be contributing, it’s not just a testament to his character; it’s a daily lesson for all of us in how to live and how to work.”
This commitment is built on mutual respect. Moe attributes his longevity to an atmosphere that values perspective and sees employees as assets, not expenses.
“I want to keep working until the very end,” Moe chuckled. “Why would I leave my family? In some companies, once you hit 65, you are forced to leave. I am very happy here.”
Community and Commitment in Action
Plaman’s commitment to Community is perhaps the most critical factor. Moe attributes this deep sense of belonging to how the Company actively takes care of its people, both professionally and personally, fostering support from the top down. “Plasman is a very good company,” said Moe. “They take care of us employees, hosting events and giving recognition. I love my management team.”
Moe’s story serves as a profound Cultural Anchor for the organization. His perseverance—from mandatory military service and navigating international relocations to rebuilding a professional life from the ground up in Canada—is channeled into his daily work. By ensuring a General Labourer who started as a temporary associate feels respected, continually educated, and integrated into the “family,” Plasman signals to every new hire that contribution transcends age, title, or background.
Moe’s 80th birthday is more than just a personal milestone; it is a corporate validation. It is proof that when an organization prioritizes people and demonstrates genuine care, it fosters a loyal, resilient workforce dedicated to mutual success. And for the next chapter, Moe is already looking forward to his 81st.
L to R: Richard Brooke, Moe, and Colette Labadie
About Plasman
Plasman is a leading global manufacturer in bumpers-fascias, grilles, exterior trim, and subsystem components. As One Driving Force™, our diverse team of talented employees in 10 countries is driven by a commitment to outperform in all areas from engineering design to state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Plasman’s headquarters are in Oldcastle, Ontario. Further information about Plasman is available at Plasman.com or follow us on LinkedIn.