How did your career in plastics start?
I was a Raleigh Apprentice, moving into engineering test and development, then production engineering, and project
engineering, before moving into sales of injection moulding machinery in 1989 (yes I am a fossil).
Tell us about your history with STV?
I first worked for Karl Perry when he owned Spaceminster, selling Boy machines for him for 9 years, before moving onto Demag, then becoming a partner in STV in 2004. Later I ran Hallam Plastics for 7 years, before moving to Negri Bossi, then returning to work for Karl and Richard (who I first met when I gave Karl a lift to collect him on the school run!). It’s a nice feeling being back working with Karl and Richard; no nonsense, customer service, honesty and response first and foremost. What more do you need?
What do you think of the Yizumi Injection Moulding Machines?
In my opinion, Yizumi machines have made a strong mark in the UK market, which I have seen as a competitor; Asian
machinery took an increasingly large slice of the UK market 3 or 4 years ago; build quality and all the included extras that European suppliers charge extra for adding to the attraction, and the type of company now buying them demonstrates this. I really liked the Yizumi offering and reading the RJG analysis was the confirmation that anyone needed that they can compare to the best from Europe in terms of repeatability and process control.
How has the plastics industry changed over your career to date?
From black and white to full colour..joking apart, product application and quality has changed the industry most, long gone are the majority of ‘cheap and cheerful’ plastic parts, the industry has matured and quality plastic components have become an intrinsic part of just about every part of modern life, from domestic appliances, to cars, aircraft, medical treatment etc. the list is endless.
What’s your opinion on the “Blue Planet” effect on the plastic industry?
There has been a negative backlash for sure, but the reality of the plastic waste you see in our oceans has been thrown as litter by the very people who are now waving the Blue Planet flag; Joe and Jane public. Drive along any road and look at the rubbish in the verges; the same rubbish blows into streams and rivers and into the sea. Now just imagine if that plastic bottle you see on the beach was glass and broken. Plastic has real value, but like anything, mis use creates problems. But there is a huge opportunity waiting for somebody who can come up with a system for skimming floating waste and recycling it; just needs imagination and government support to make it happen; all we need is for world politicians to work together……..
What are your thoughts on Brexit and its effect on the plastic industry?
The delay in implementing the referendum has certainly had a negative impact, both on our industry, and commerce in general; like most people, I’ll be glad when the uncertainty has gone and normal service can continue!
Will we see you at any future exhibitions?
Try and stop me 😊. I’ll be at Interplas 2020 (stand GG10) 29th September – 1st October. See you there.
Just for fun
1. Your choice of Superpower and why? To be able to fly, who wouldn’t?
2. Are you left handed or right handed? Ambidextrous
3. What’s your favourite song? So many songs but if I had to choose surely the most amazing instrument is the human voice, and blood harmony the best of that; so ‘In My Room’ would be the choice I think
4. What accomplishment are you most proud of? My daughter Kate, managing to stay out of jail, and not killing myself motorcycling, driving, cycling, paragliding, climbing…
5. Sweet or Savoury? Savoury please