Ben Foskett
What is your role? Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer
What is your background?
I studied for a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Liverpool, graduating in July this year. Before university I went to college at Richard Huish College in Taunton, where I did my A-levels. One of the main motivations for me to study engineering was my interest in cars from a young age, and at university I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to join the university’s formula student team. This gave me the opportunity to work on the design and construction of a single-seater racing car, which we then competed against other universities.
What brought you to Rotec?
After completing my degree I moved back home to Somerset and began looking for a job. The position advertised at Rotec fitted in well with what I was looking for. Hydraulics is something that I have been interested in for a while and I was drawn to the greater variety of work at a smaller company.
Hobbies and interest:
My most long-term interest is in cars, particularly American muscle, and at university formula student took up most of my free time. I also have ambitions of learning to sail.
Role: Warehouse assistant
Previously: Apprentice trained dessert chef
Will joined Rotec Taunton almost 6 weeks ago. He is quite new to the industry, as he is an apprentice trained dessert chef turn warehouse assistant. Will had worked in catering for 6 years, before desserting (pun intended) the career path he set out on and pounced on the opportunity to join Rotec.
“The work is definitely challenging, but I am enjoying it. I hope to pass the probation period and stay with the company for the years to come’
Will used to play a lot of football, particularly six-a-side and go out a lot. Now he enjoys watching films and catching up with his mates when he gets the chance.
Phil O’Connor
Phil has over 30 years of experience of working in the hydraulic industry. His in-depth knowledge of hydraulic systems, tools and equipment is perfect for the varied role in the often challenging environment.
“I decided to join Rotec as it’s a well-known company and their reputation in this field is second to none.”
Why thank you Phil, we are pleased to have you and wish you well in your new venture!
Derek Bowden
Role: Operations Engineer
Derek has many years of interesting experience under his belt. From maintaining rides at Butlins in Minehead, to upgrading irrigation systems in Tanzania.
Derek had worked at Rotec once before, so after taking a voluntary redundancy from his 10 years as a Maintenance Engineer turn Manager at Goodridge, he returned to his roots and applied for a position at Rotec. Derek is, once again, a credit to our team and after being part of a team working on bespoke winching systems for maintenance vehicles, he was offered a new role in operations.
Derek is currently laying a solid foundation and putting new procedures in place, ensuring smooth and safe running of all operations.
In his spare time he enjoys a game of skittles and darts, he is also skilled at DIY and loves taking his wife for holidays and weekends away in their motorhome.
Matt Turnbull
Role: Purchasing Manager
What is your background? I’ve worked within an engineering department of a large ready meals manufacturer for the last 17 years. With the last few of those years in a group procurement role, looking at the overall purchasing functions of engineering on four different sites throughout the UK.
What brought you to Rotec? I felt that I had achieved all that I possibly could within my old company and needed to increase my knowledge in a new setting – I’ve never been within a customer facing company before so when I was looking for new jobs, that was one of the main criteria that I was looking for. After meeting with the directors, the challenges that Rotec offered, and the direction they want to take the company excited me, in the end it was an easy decision.
Do you have any hobbies? No, I hate fun.
Mark Hoadley
Role: Warehouse Assistant
Previously: Goods in at Rexquote
Mark has only very recently joined Rotec Taunton. He has started his career as a food factory worker, gradually working his way up to a supervisory position and eventually moving onto working as a van driver, before finding his way to engineering firms and warehouse based roles.
With years of experience of working in warehouses, driving a van and 8 years as a Storeman at Rexquote, he is a valuable addition to the Taunton warehouse team.
Mark decided to join Rotec as it is a well-established local company with a good reputation. Mark relates ‘There is a lot to learn, the procedures and system is different, but Dale is a good teacher – very patient!’ he smiles.
Mark used to be a keen football and cricket player, but is now retired from active sports and he is a huge Manchester United fan!
Matthew Chinn
Role: Contract Mechanical Design Engineer
What is my background?
I have a background in electro-mechanical engineering and computer programming. I have been contracting for the last couple of years and started my own company just under a year ago. I’ve been writing code since 1988, I started getting interested in hobby electronics in 1998 and started to move towards mechanical engineering in 2008. I studied for a HNC in Electronic Engineering on day release while working as an Engineer at TDK-Lambda, before topping up my qualifications to a BSc (Hons) in Electro-Mechanical Design & Manufacture. I have a broad background in engineering, including switch-mode power supply design, writing firmware for microcontrollers, designing injection moulded plastic parts, test development and automation.
What brought me to Rotec?
I was approached by Huxley (contract recruiter) about a 10 week position at Rotec. I came to meet Richard and found Rotec to be an interesting company. I don’t have a background in hydraulics, so thought it would be an excellent opportunity to learn something new.
Do I have any hobbies?
Since starting my own business I haven’t had much time for hobbies. I like to get out into the countryside and go walking when I have the time.
Matt Bearpark
What is your role? My role is as hose doctor engineer working under the Parker hose doctor brand. Day to day I visit customers, carry out quotes for customers and carry out breakdowns /repairs to most hydraulically operated machinery, from excavators to forklifts and lorries to factory fit-outs.
What is your background?
Left college after studying construction/design after which I joined a window fitting company.
After losing my mum in 2012 my family pushed me to better myself and thus I moved to Australia where I started working for Enzed, the largest hydraulic hose company in Australia. Running a franchise van (under the Parker Hannifin brand) serving small and big customers, in the utilities, mining, offshore oil rigs sectors and a few big truck companies.
After the mining industry took a big hit in 2015 I returned to work in the UK with firstly Pirtek, and then I joined Rotec, as they offered the sort of personal development opportunity I was looking for.
My hobbies
From playing football and going to the gym, to watching motorsports and supporting the Spurs. This season I also started to train the Hamilton park under 11’s, but nothing can beat a weekend days at Crealy with my partner and stepchildren.