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I joined Alfa Laval FED (farm equipment division) from school in 1975, and for 4 years was employed as an engineering apprentice, aligned to the then vacuum pump factory in Cwmbran, South Wales.
Since 1979 I have enjoyed the most varied of careers within DeLaval. First as a national Installing Engineer and then Territory Salesman in Yorkshire. Then came my first big break, to work abroad in Saudi Arabia as Technical Assistant on a large dairy farm, living there for 5 years. ( I met and married my English wife in Riyadh ! ) On our return to The UK, I worked back in Cwmbran as a Technical Assistant, and then in 1993 worked for Dairy Supplies Hereford, a subsidiary dealer as the Field Operations Manager. Then another big break, the chance to return to Saudi Arabia as the Sales and Service Manager. After a further 5 years in Saudi Arabia, I was transferred to Sweden, and worked at the DeLaval HQ in Tumba, for nearly 4 years, eventually as a System Group Manager. In 2004 I returned to DeLaval In Cardiff UK, and currently am responsible for the launch of the exciting voluntary milking system VMS in GB We have been fortunate in that throughout my career, DeLaval have supported us as a family living abroad.
There is never a dull moment when you work for DeLaval ! There are daily challenges, but also daily rewards. I cannot believe that any other industry could possibly provide such a varied and interesting career. If you work at DeLaval, you certainly understand what the word ‘multitasking’ means!
The belief that we have the best products and services, and that farmers are good customers, and that they are the salt of the earth. The constant change within the industry, particularly over the past 5 years means that there is always something new on the horizon. In this day and age, a job is not necessarily for life, and if you understand this fact, you are motivated to excel and adapt to the challenges and changes in the Dairy Industry. My career has taken many turns, always positive, what could motivate someone more than this?
To maintain and grow DeLaval service business in The UK. With a declining number of producers, this clearly presents a challenge, not least of which is the greater distances needed to travel, and the ever increasing size of territories.
Milk will always be part of the world’s staple diet. The developing countries, such as China, Russia and India have tremendously exciting opportunities. Our global presence means we are able to lead in these areas. The challenge is how to maintain our business in established markets such as Western Europe and North America. Incredibly, in spite of declining producer numbers, we still see new players coming into the market. But Dairy Farmers change as fast or faster than we do, so then opportunities for new products and ideas will always be there. Take robotics for example, whole new areas of opportunity are opening up right before our eyes.
Once you have acquired the travel bug, it is difficult to shake off! When our daughter finishes school, should the opportunity arise, we would jump at another chance to work abroad.
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