Clearview 224 - July 2020 | Page 77

MOVERS&SHAKERS NEW MD’S PRIORITY IS SAFE, PHASED RETURN TO WORK FOR ALL Justin Hunter has officially joined AluK as the new Managing Director. With a long and successful career in aluminium systems, he brings a huge amount of industry experience to the role. » HIS IMMEDIATE priority is to ensure that AluK continues its phased return to work, protecting the safety of staff, customers and partners at every stage. However, he is also focused on building relationships with customers and understanding exactly what they will need from AluK in the crucial months ahead. Justin commented: “AluK is already operating safely and efficiently in a Covid-19 secure environment and passing on what we have learnt to customers. What’s important now is getting the additional support right to those customers, so that we strengthen our partnerships with them and use our expertise and resources to help in the best ways we can. In terms of supply, our aim is for business as usual, but we will continue to be flexible in our approach and adapt our operations in line with the shape of the recovery and growing demand. “AluK is a fantastic business with a great team in place and I am really excited to be finally on board. These are challenging times of course, but we are in a very strong market position. The Coronavirus crisis hasn’t impacted our ongoing product development programme and, with the ongoing backing of the AluK Group, we will also be rolling out some market leading customer service innovations during the course of this year.” www.aluk.com Automotive industry expertise to high speed doors manufacturer » HART DOOR SYSTEMS, BASED IN Newcastle, is a long-established and pioneering designer and manufacturer of commercial and industrial doors. Now, John Rafferty has been appointed to the role of Production Manager to enhance the company’s manufacturing processes. Having worked previously in similar roles at Unipres, NSK Europe and ADM Pressings Ltd, John has a wealth of experience of managing and monitoring processes and using this to identify efficiencies in manufacturing operations. In his new role with Hart Door Systems, John will be tasked with supporting the company in enhancing its already wellestablished quality control and standardisation methods. John Rafferty, Production Manager at Hart Door Systems commented: “After more than 20 years of working largely in the automotive sector, I’m looking forward to joining Hart Door Systems and applying my knowledge to its bespoke manufacturing processes. “I was drawn to the company because it is family-run, has a well-established reputation for innovation and a commitment to market leading quality. “Employing the SQCDM model (safety, quality, cost, delivery, morale and people) in my approach, I look forward to supporting the team as we continue to navigate through the changes that have come about in response to Covid-19.” The company, which has been operational throughout the Covid-19 lockdown supporting customers in key sectors, has already implemented a number of new manufacturing processes to ensure the safety of its workers, such as morning and afternoon shift teams and tighter cleaning regimes. Nick Hart, Managing Director at Hart Door Systems added: “We are delighted with John’s appointment and his experience in working in fast moving manufacturing operations and driving efficiencies will have great benefit as we look to scale up and continue with our export operations.” The company has recently won a number of multi-door orders for export. These include providing the Hart Door Systems’ high-speed Speedor Storms and swing gates for Hitachi Zosen Inova in Moscow, Russia. The doors will be installed on a major Energy from Waste plant. In addition, the company has secured a large order for fire shutters for a Beumer Group contract at Kuwait Airport and an order for shutters for both the Hong Kong Central Government Office and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. www.hartdoors.com CLEARVIEW-UK.COM » JUL 2020 » 77