Qualified Tool and Die Maker, served apprenticeship at the then South African Railways, realizing arguably, the best training on offer in South Africa at that time. Completed apprenticeship in 1986.
Joined Metpar, a subsidiary of Metair (Wesco) as a Toolmaker where mainly maintenance and some new tooling was undertaken. After 6 months a promotion to the Tool Improvement Dept. facilitated rapid growth of knowledge and experience in problem solving, process and quality improvements and scrap reduction. Also involved extensively in testing in the Press Shop where further invaluable experience gained in the different disciplines and methods of production. During year 2, a promotion to Process Engineering Dept ensured exposure to various departments and personnel at all levels in the factory and added to both knowledge and experience. Good relationships were forged with peers and senior management and years later many of these colleagues have become senior decision makers at Toyota.
Then served 2 years working as sub-contractor to RMA Tooling, mentored by owner Richard Askew (an astute businessman), at one the most technologically advanced toolrooms in SA. Also gained invaluable experience liaising with key Toyota project personnel, designers and implemented tooling solutions to production facilities for CI Caravans and KIC.
Formed Technique Tool & Die in 1991. Traded in the first year on cash basis at Bank’s insistence and thus leant the art of sound Cash Flow Management. Grew the business from a “one man” pure tooling operation to one of the most advanced toolrooms with a staff of 10 Toolmakers and 4 apprentices working double shift patterns on export tooling contracts for USA and Australia by 1998.
Also diversified into production, realizing the need for stable/increased turnover to assist cash flow and steady growth.
This venture proved highly successful and provided an excellent balance for the business ~ Technique was perfectly poised for future development by 1998, when Technique Manufacturing Corporation was formed and the Managing Director had successfully completed the “school of hard knocks”.