Supporting innovation
Investment to deliver a long-term competitive advantage
As many of our stakeholders will know, Tecman takes a long-term view. This means that as well as focusing on how we can help customers solve today’s challenges, we are also thinking about the challenges they will face in the coming 5, 10 or 15+ years and how we need to adapt to continue to surpass expectations.
Over recent months we have made the bold decision to invest significantly across several areas to support customer innovation and underpin our ambitious growth plans. This investment is both financial and resource intensive, and covers our equipment, personnel and processes, as these are the areas that will make the biggest noticeable difference to our customers.
We have invested over £1.6m in equipment and facility upgrades with our UK automation partners, which has involved the rollout of laser cutting machines, robotic part handling and next generation rotary presses. This will help deliver a tangible competitive advantage across all sectors we operate in.
Our significant financial investment is accompanied by a restructuring of our operations department and the development of our engineering team, which has grown in headcount following a number of significant new director and manager level appointments for roles based at our Leamington Spa HQ.
Meet the team
Kevin Porter
Kevin has extensive experience of PSA technology and a track record of driving innovation and a pioneering spirit throughout the business.
Shan Wilkinson
Extensive experience in providing financial direction at a global level within the manufacturing sector with a systems based focus.
Paul Groves
Paul brings over 40 years experience in Automotive Operations working with both OEM’s and Tier 1 suppliers.
Tom Deards
Tom brings over 20 years of experience in quality management within the automotive sector, including extensive experience in program launch management.
Reuben Cook
A member of Tecman’s operations department for over 6 years, Reuben has vital experience across a range of senior operational and manufacturing roles.
Dan Ironmonger
Strong experience in operations and production management gained across multiple industries such as intelligent asset management systems and heat exchange manufacturing.
Andrew McCarthy
Over 35 years of experience in mechanical engineering with leading Automotive OEMs, spanning mechanical fitter and vehicle technician roles to management and leadership.
Operations & Engineering Team: Restructuring for growth
Paul Groves was appointed as Operations Director last year and brings 40 years’ experience in automotive operations, working with both OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Paul’s recruitment was followed more recently by Tom Deards as our new Quality and Health and Safety Manager and Andrew McCarthy as our new Manufacturing Engineer. Tom brings over 20 years’ experience in quality management within the automotive sector, including program launch management, and Andrew brings over 35 years of experience in mechanical engineering with leading automotive OEMs.
These new hires follow promotions for several long standing Tecman team members including Shan Wilkinson to Finance Director, Dan Ironmonger to Logistics Manager and Reuben Cook to Manufacturing Manager. This investment in our future workforce brings 95 years’ combined experience into the business and our team restructuring will reinvigorate existing teams under experienced departmental leadership. Improvements have also been made in our supply chain management capabilities, with the appointment of a purchasing manager to roll out initiatives designed to increase efficiencies and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.
Additional investment in broadband upgrades, real time stock management and inventory management techniques will also make a major cumulative difference to business efficiency and productivity, helping Tecman customers to stay ahead. In addition, to support increased interest in our automotive capabilities, we are also investing in IATF 16949:2016 certification, a key industry accreditation that will verify our well-known capabilities and credentials – keep your eyes open for an update on this!