Leadership

Kevin’s journey started in the dynamic world of the gas and oil industry. He then ventured into the welding and positioning sector, where he honed his skills as a manager and built a remarkable sales team. Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Key Plant Automation. With a hands-on approach, he has guided the company from its inception, overseeing everything from day-to-day operations to pioneering new product lines and leading cutting-edge research and development efforts. Kevin’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving our growth and assembling a team of industry trailblazers.

Jon’s Key Plant journey began in 1994, fresh out of university. Back then, the company specialised in equipment rentals and used sales, with a touch of bespoke manufacturing. Over the years, Jon played a pivotal role in expanding our market reach from Liverpool to Northern Europe and eventually into Asia and North America. His journey at Key Plant has been an all-encompassing one, from managing finances and payrolls to hands-on shop floor activities and complex technical support. As a shareholder, Jon’s commitment to the company’s day-to-day operations is unwavering.

Ross is a relatively recent addition to Key Plant, joining in 2021. However, he brings with him an impressive 27 years of experience in the world of weld automation, engineering, sales, and service. Ross’s career started as an apprentice engineer at Mathieson Welding, and he later earned his ONC and HNC in electrical and electronic engineering. He has worked with top-tier companies such as Fronius and Red-D-Arc, where he held the position of Vice President for Europe/Middle East. Ross holds a degree in Business and Accounts, making him a formidable force in our commercial endeavors.

Michael’s career started at his family’s shipyard in Florida, where he honed his welding and fabricator skills. He later became a welding supervisor and implemented lean manufacturing and ISO 9001 at Fisher Barton. In 2008, he joined Machine and Welding Supply as a Welding Specialist and then Airgas as an Automation Specialist. In 2019, Michael joined Key Plant as the Director of Automation for North America, overseeing the startup of our Houston location, distributor growth, customer consultations, engineering, integration, installations, sales, and service. His extensive certifications and experience make him a driving force in welding automation.

Craig joined Key Plant in 2016 and quickly assumed responsibility for managing key accounts and technical projects. His track record includes successfully negotiating, installing, and project managing large engineering and welding projects across various sectors, with a particular focus on the defense and MOD sector. Craig’s journey began at Sandvik Stainless Steel, where he gained hands-on experience in welding MMA, MIG, and TIG applications. His career then led him to TPS Fronius, where he continued to expand his expertise in welding technologies. Before joining Key Plant, Craig worked for himself and also served as a Country Manager for Red D Arc.

Peter has been with Key Plant since 2016 and leads our Pipe Segment globally. His responsibilities cover pipe preparation, pipe cutting, pipe welding, product development, sales, rental, and service. Peter’s industry-leading experience spans over 25 years in engineering, welding, installation, and after-sales service in pipe preparation, automotive, and automation. His work has taken him around the world, contributing to projects in North America, Asia, and Europe. Peter specialises in tooling development, both standard and special purpose, for various materials and applications.

Mark has been with Key Plant since 2011, managing general production and liaising with department team leaders to ensure timely product delivery. His journey began at British Coal as a mechanical apprentice, where he gained extensive experience in welding and fabrication. After founding his own sub-contract fabrication business, Mark transitioned to Key Plant as a mechanical engineer and eventually took on production management. Today, he specialises in steel production and raw material procurement, ensuring our supply chain runs smoothly.

Sharon has been a vital part of Key Plant since 2012, responsible for the day-to-day office operations. Her roles encompass administration, human resources, health & safety, and supply chain management of bearings, gearboxes, and mechanical power. Sharon’s technical background and global import/export experience, particularly in bearings and mechanical power transmission, make her an invaluable asset in running our business smoothly.

Since joining Key Plant in 2019, Matt has driven our marketing initiatives, coinciding with our expansion into North America with the opening of Key Plant USA in Houston, Texas. With over 15 years of experience in graphic, web design, and digital marketing, Matt holds certifications as a CIW Web Design Professional and a DMI Digital Marketing Professional. In his role, he manages various tasks such as website management, social media administration, SEO, content design, and lead generation strategies. Matt’s strategic insights and creativity contribute to shaping our brand identity and strengthening our digital presence.