MEET THE TEAM AT WESTIN DRIVES
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Ian SheppardGroup Managing DirectorIan is Group Managing Director of the Westin Group of companies. Previously he had finance and operational roles within large retail groups. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son and daughter.
Michael Limb BScService ManagerMichael began his career as a trainee with a company making drive systems for industrial motors and have over 35 years’ experience of field service / aftercare across a variety of business sectors. He has been a field engineer, worked in technical support and progressed into a management role several years ago.He oversees the management of the repair and mechanical engineering workshops and is working to increase efficiency by improving working and administrative procedures.
Fraser Lynch BEngTechnical ManagerFraser started with us in 2006 as an apprentice motor technician. He spent several years learning to repair and rewind electro-mechanical equipment while completing his advanced modern apprenticeship. He then became a trainee electrical engineer and has been in the technical services team ever since. He now manages the department and assists Michael Limb in the technical aspects of running the company. "Working with Michael, my aim is to develop Westin Drives to exceed our customers' expectations," he says. Outside work, Fraser enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, exploring the watering holes of Yorkshire and playing tennis.
Tony OrmondroydRepairs ManagerTony began at Westin Drives in 1974 as an apprentice motor technician. His aim is to ensure that every electro-mechanical repair that comes through our workshop is carried out to a high standard and that customers are kept informed of progress and results. "Understanding the needs of our customers is important to be able to offer a good service," he says. Outside work he enjoys fishing, spending time with his family and walking his dog to and from his local.
Richard BrufellInternal Sales RepresentativeWe were very pleased to welcome back Richard Bruffell to Westin Drives. He rejoined as Internal Sales Representative and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. His enthusiasm, expertise and extensive contacts within the industry are already helping him to make a valuable contribution to our future success.
Steve OrmondroydWorkshop SupervisorSteve started at Westin Drives in 2006 as an apprentice motor technician. After living in France for a while, he decided a job in engineering was for him, so chose to move back and find a role here. He now supervises the electro-mechanical repairs team, including workshop quality procedures and practices. "Ultimately, on the shop floor our job is to get the customer up and running as soon as possible," he says. Out of working hours, Steve enjoys following Huddersfield Town FC, spending time with his family and socializing.
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Linda DrummondAccounts and AdministrationLinda joined the team in 2007 and her role varies from receptionist, to purchasing admin, to attempting to keep the lads in order. She previously worked as a customer service manager for a coffee firm, so good customer service is second nature. Outside work, her main interest is in motor bikes.
Matt PhillipsMechanical EngineerMatt, an apprentice-trained mechanical engineer with ONC level qualifications, has been in the industry for seven years, performing a broad range of work from precision machining, fitting and constructing to engineering drawing and repair work. He joined Westin Drives in 2016 to advance his knowledge and skills and for the opportunity to progress within a growing business. Besides developing our precision machining workshop, he also works on the shop floor and on site. His aim is to ensure that each machine shop repair and each new manufactured product is finished to the highest of standards and the correct tolerances, keeping the customer happy and satisfied.
Wayne SmithRepair EngineerWayne has been with us since 2004, repairing and rewinding a large range of electro-mechanical equipment. He's had a big part to play in training apprentices in the workshop. His previous experience was with DC repairs in the automotive sector but he can now turn his hand to all aspects of repair. "A recent addition to my role has been the final quality inspection. I'm enjoying this as it has made a real impact so far," he says. Outside work, Wayne enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, and following the fortunes of Huddersfield Town.
Barrie HarknessElectrical EngineerBarrie’s eight years in the Army with the Corps of British Army Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers stood in him in good stead for a career as an electrical engineer in civvies street and he praises ‘the excellent training’ he received. Outside work, he follows Bradford City, enjoys walking, cooking and the company of four dogs.
Jason KilnerApprentice Repair EngineerJake came to Westin Drives for work experience while in the sixth form at Shelley College. He enjoyed his three weeks with us so much that he came back in the school holidays. After completing his A-levels – Maths, Design Technology and Applied Science – he started to look for jobs in engineering and was glad to be offered a job here. He's studying full-time at Kirklees Engineering College until December and will be on day release after then. Away from work, he's a keen cricketer and plays for Emley.
Adam DaffernApprentice Electrical EngineerThoughts of a career in engineering surfaced when Adam was studying for A-levels in biology, IT and PE at Greenhead College, Huddersfield. "I realised I didn't like biology or PE, but I did like IT – and that pushed me towards engineering,” he says. He joins our team equipped with a BTEC gained at KITS in Brighouse and two years of experience as a maintenance engineer in Halifax. He is now working for his level 4 HNC in electrical and electronic engineering. Outside work, he plays football for Shelley first team and tennis at Longley Sports Club.
Nathan KingApprentice Mechanical EngineerNathan joined our expanding precision engineering department in January 2018 after completing a Level 2 mechanical engineering course at Kirklees College. His interest in engineering was sparked at The Brooksbank School, Elland. "I always like making things and I enjoyed art and graphics at school and I thought engineering would be an interesting job with good opportunities," he says. Out of work, Nathan is a keen footballer, keeping goal for Elland AFC – and the lucky lad holds a season ticket at Huddersfield Town.
Liam MedleyApprentice Mechanical EngineerIt was while studying A-levels in Maths, Physics and Geography at Greenhead College, Huddersfield, that Liam felt that engineering was his real vocation. He worked for a spell at a structural engineering company but his interest in hands-on mechanical engineering was stirred when he came for an internship to Westin Drives, which quickly led to the offer of an apprenticeship. Liam is now undertaking a BTEC Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering alongside his work in our precision engineering department. Among his out-of-work interests are football and pool.
Jacob McLintockApprentice Repair EngineerJake began his working life in a butcher's shop in Slaithwaite while he was still at Colne Valley High School. He proved himself a cut above, because he was offered a full-time job and became, among other things, a proficient pork pie maker. This wasn't the dream job some might think, however, and seeking longer-term prospects he came to Westin Drives for a week of work experience. He is now among our team of bright, young apprentices and starts a college engineering course in September. Out of work he enjoys fishing, playing in a pool team – and pork pies.
David WhiteheadMechanical FitterA former pupil of King James' School, Almondbury, David worked as a car mechanic before moving into industry in his early twenties and qualifying as a mechanical engineer. His career has taken him into worlds of power generation, manufacturing and chemicals, so it's no surprise that he's familiar with a wide variety of engineering challenges. Outside work, he enjoys following sport and he has a particular interest in air rifle shooting.
Graham DawsonRepair EngineerGraham is our most experienced rewinder - though he insists he is still learning, He joined us in 1983 from a Youth Opportunities programme and recalls that he did many tasks in the workshop before he was allowed to try his hand to rewinding motors. "In between, I learned a lit bit of everything," he says. A rugby league fan since he played the game at school, he follows the fortune of the Huddersfield Giants. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and supporting his local.
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