Our people are the lifeblood of our business and we are proud to put the spotlight on the experts within our team. Our ‘meet the team’ feature this week focusses on another recent addition, Gareth Hammond, our new Production Manager, who is in charge of running our Harrogate workshop on a day-to-day basis and is our designated Welding Coordinator (WC).
Here Gareth gives an insight into what brought him to Harrogate Steel, his important role within our team, his thoughts on the next generation workforce and why now is such an exciting time to be part of the Harrogate Steel business.
“My journey in the steelwork industry started 23 years ago when I left school and entered into an Apprenticeship. Since then, I’ve worked my way up through the ranks to the position I’m in today. I’m passionate about mentoring the younger generation of fabricators and welders to pass on the knowledge and expertise I’ve learnt over the years; it’s essential that our industry has a pipeline of future talent.
From my very first day at Harrogate Steel, and even from my interview, I was impressed by the range of work it was carrying out for such a young company. Everyone here has an amazing level of determination and drive and our combined expertise means that the sky really is the limit, it’s a really exciting time to join the business.”
Gareth’s role involves overseeing all workshop operations as well as maintaining quality and safety….
“Initially I liaise with the commercial and design teams about up and coming projects to ensure all aspects of the job from a production level are covered. I then allocate the team members to each job to ensure that every element is manufactured within its allotted timeframe, and before it goes through to transportation, I run an inspection to check that everything is in line with the clients’ requirements.
As the company’s dedicated Welding Coordinator (WC), it’s my role to ensure that our steel structures meet high levels of mechanical resistance, durability and stability to guarantee that we maintain our CE and UKCA accreditations.”
The main aspects of Gareth’s WC responsibilities include:
- Review of technical and contractual requirements.
- Sub-contract activities.
- Qualification of welding procedures, welders and welding operators.
- Development and review of weld procedure specifications.
- Equipment suitability, maintenance, and calibration.
- Production planning.
- Selection, suitability and control of materials and welding consumables.
- Inspection and testing - before, during and after welding.
“To see what has been achieved by the team as a collaborated effort is very rewarding, it’s a great feeling when a project has been erected on site without any complications thanks to the skilled fabrication that’s taken place in the workshop, it’s something we’re all proud to be part of.”
Watch this space for further updates on our expert and valued team. If you are interested in joining the Harrogate Steel team, find out more about current vacancies HERE.