19th June 2007
Akzo Nobel Sikkens has recently had a major recruitment drive to increase the numbers of technical staff employed by the company, with eleven new recruits joining earlier this year.
The suitable candidates were picked from over 100 applicants from across the UK and subjected to a 2 hour technical assessment by Technical Manager, Mike Battrick, to ensure that they had not only the necessary technical ability but were able to explain the process and procedures required for the correct application of our products.
“The technical role at Akzo Nobel Sikkens is not only a trouble-shooting role but also a pro-active training role so the ability to communicate effectively is vital. At Akzo Nobel Sikkens we understand that listening to customers and analysing their requirements is key to helping them achieve success,” commented Ed Hilborne, Marketing Manager. “Car refinish paint products are extremely technical in nature and therefore it is important that our customers are trained in the use of our products and the latest repair methods. Having well trained staff can lead to major efficiency savings and therefore increased throughput and improved profitability.”
Meet the new team
Gary Millward joins Akzo Nobel with 21 years industry experience, with 19 of those spent in a Ford bodyshop, most recently as paint shop supervisor.
Frank Clowes first started working in the refinish industry after leaving school and joins Akzo Nobel following 20 years in the Peugeot Technical Centre in Coventry.
Simon Barton returns to Akzo Nobel where he originally spent 9 years as a TSR.
Andy Millar joins the team after working both in bodyshops and as a technical sales rep for another paint company, having notched up a total of 22 years industry experience.
Michael Burgess comes to Akzo Nobel having worked for a large distributor in the Midlands.
Mark Taylor has most recently worked on a bodyshop shop floor with Sikkens products as well as having previous experience as a technical demonstrator and notching up a total of 29 years experience.
Tony Edney has worked both for Mirka Abraisives and in a large distributor, with 30 years in the industry.
Ray Edmond joins Akzo Nobel after fifteen years on the shop floor where he has been working as a spray painter.
Jon Barnes worked as head painter at a major paint company and joins the team after 18 years industry experience.
Graeme Petrie joins from a major distributor after a varied 18 years in the car refinish industry including bodyshop management, estimating and a period working out as a contractor in Holland.
Darren McComb first started work as a paint sprayer on leaving school and has been in the industry ever since including periods at distributors, an OEM and other paint manufacturers.