A UK-based engineering firm has promoted an advocate for Fenland apprenticeships and the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre to its board.
Avingtrans PLC, the engineering group, which includes Stainless Metalcraft at Chatteris, and designs, manufactures and supplies original equipment, systems and aftermarket services to highly-regulated industrial markets around the world, has promoted Austen Adams to the role of group chief operating officer.
Austen, who began his engineering career as an apprentice at Wyko Power Plant and Gears in the Black Country in the early 1980s, joined Avingtrans in 2013.
He most recently held the position of divisional managing director for its Advanced Engineering Systems division, and will also step up to join Avingtrans’ board.
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Steve McQuillan, CEO of Avingtrans, said: “Real-world engineering experience is a key tenet of Avingtrans’ success, helping us pinpoint and invest strategically in established engineering businesses that occupy niche positions in their markets.
“Austen’s industry know-how, commercial acumen and strategic approach are second to none and have all played a key role in the business’ success over recent years, helping turnaround heritage names such as Booth Industries, Ormandy Rycroft and Slack & Parr, and returning them to leading positions in their industries, with strong growth prospects and shareholder returns.”
Having begun his own career as an apprentice, Austen has a strong commitment to skills development.
He was instrumental in reinvigorating the internal training academy for young apprentices at Stainless Metalcraft, which was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.
Austen was also a driving force behind the creation of a new advanced manufacturing skills centre, the North Cambs Training Centre, also based in Chatteris.
Recently appointed to the board of MAKE UK - the voice for manufacturers across the country - Austen was previously chair of the Business Board (LEP) at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and is a former special advisor to the Department of Trade and Industry, National Measurement System Policy Unit.
Commenting on his new role, Austen said: “I have very much enjoyed my time at Avingtrans, working closely with some of the most respected, specialist-engineering names in the industry and helping position them to make the most of emerging opportunities around the world.
“As I step into this new role, I am looking forward to working closely with our talented leadership teams across the wider business as we continue to grow our presence in key markets and identify opportunities to innovate that will add real value.”
Under Austen’s leadership, Avingtrans’ AES division has delivered a consistently strong financial performance, strengthening its position in key markets, such as nuclear energy, while successfully acquiring and turning around highly specialised but struggling businesses to realise their true potential.
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