When supplying new equipment to clients Avantek Machinery prides itself on delivering superior installation, testing, and training experiences. Its highly skilled, dedicated field engineers are integral to achieving this, and the Avantek engineering team recently welcomed its newest member, Nathan Caddy.
With over 25 years’ experience in robotics and manufacturing automation systems Nathan has travelled extensively, working for some of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world including BMW-owned Mini.
Asked to describe a typical day in his current role as a Field Service Engineer with Avantek, Nathan explains, “I haven’t really had a typical day yet. I’ve joined the company during a very busy and exciting period, so I’ve been going from install to install setting up machines.”
During his first 3 months, Nathan has already covered a large area of the UK. This includes assisting Scotland’s fastest growing trade window and door manufacturer Window Supply Company with its expansion and relocation, helping install Modplan’s SuperCut 5 in Wales, and travelling to Ireland for Grady Joinery’s installation of two SuperCut 6 cutting and machining centres. The latter was accomplished within 5 weeks, a phenomenal achievement that significantly minimised any disruption to productivity!
Having built an extensive knowledge of electromechanics, Nathan has been able to quickly adapt to working with window and door fabrication machinery, and under the guidance of his colleagues he is now getting more involved with software configuration.
Nathan explains, “I’ve been shadowing my colleague Dave Fox who knows these machines inside out and is very supportive and skilled at imparting his knowledge. Everyone I’m working alongside here has been very helpful.”
Operations Manager Dominic Gillet states, “Nathan’s doing an excellent job, and he’s got all the attributes it takes to be a successful member of Avantek’s engineering team. He came to us with fantastic transferable skills and was able to get up to speed very quickly. Nathan has already shown he’s willing to go the extra mile to ensure our clients receive the first-class service they expect from Avantek, and he’s quickly getting to grips with aspects of the job that are new to him such as software programming.”
Part of the installation process involves field engineers working closely with a customer’s fabricating team to ensure everything is fully tested and running smoothly. This is crucial to Avantek’s focus on becoming part of a client’s wider team and delivering superior after sales service.
Nathan explains, “Once a machine is up and running with all the initial tool operations configured, we’ll sit with the operators for up to a week of manufacturing to check if anything needs tweaking. After that, we’ll continue to liaise with them and provide assistance whenever it’s needed.”
Asked about his plans for the coming months, Nathan responds, “I’m learning the machines more intimately. I’ve seen how these guys work and they’re able to quickly identify the source of any issues over the phone or through the remote diagnostics systems because they know the equipment so well. It won’t be long before I delve in and start getting more involved with that side of our work.”
Dominic concludes, “We’re really happy to have Nathan on board. He’s a welcome addition to our professional team of engineers, and I’m sure he will continue to go from strength to strength. At Avantek we’re committed to delivering the best quality machinery backed by the highest standards of service, and we couldn’t do that without the skill and effort each member of the team brings to the table.”
To find out more about Avantek Machinery’s full range of products and services visit https://www.avantekmachinery.co.uk/