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 OrmondroydLogistics ManagerTony began at Westin Drives in 1974 as an apprentice motor technician. He has responsibility for the movement of good between our related companies and the collection and delivery of goods to customers and suppliers. Tony also has responsibility for our fleet. Outside work he enjoys fishing, spending time with his family and walking his dog to and from his local.
Richard BrufellInternal SalesWe were very pleased to welcome back Richard Bruffell to Westin Drives. He rejoined with responsibility for Internal Sales and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. His enthusiasm, expertise and extensive contacts within the industry are helping him to make a valuable contribution to our future success.
Steve OrmondroydWorkshop managerSteve 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 successfully introduced many new working practices as a supervisor and now has full responsibility tfor the workshop and repairs."Ultimately, 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 socialising.
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Linda DrummondAdministratorLinda 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.
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 MachinistNathan 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 MachinistIt 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.
Richard PollardLabourerLocal lad Richard took a job in joinery on leaving school before moving into the care sector and working in children's homes. He then moved across to mental health, helping patients in hospital. His switch to engineering was motivated by a wish to have a more hands-on career and he hopes to progress to become a qualified machinist in our engineering department. Outside work, Richard is a keen sportsman enjoying running, squash and football – and following Huddersfield Town.
Tom MitchellMechanical FitterTom Mitchell can hardly remember a time when a spanner wasn't in his hand. Whether it was helping his dad to repair the family Land Rover or reconditioning cars to sell with his brother, the enthusiasm for all things mechanical was present from the start. So there was no difficulty in choosing a career when he left Salendine Nook High School. An apprenticeship of more than four years with a local engineering company saw him gain experience in a number of disciplines, including gear boxes and pumps. A former motocross competitor, he still loves fiddling with bikes and cars, including a 20-year-old VW Lupo which he is restoring.
Michael WebbCNC MachinistDoncaster-born Michael Webb made a shrewd move at 16 by following in his father's footsteps. His dad was a toolmaker so Michael, on leaving school, began a toolmaker apprenticeship with a company in Oldham. During his six years there, he studied at college for his NVQ3 and City and Guilds qualifications in CNC engineering. When the firm closed, he took various sub-contracting jobs in his speciality of CNC milling. Away from work, his two young daughters keep him entertained – and busy.
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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