With qualifications that include a BTEC Level 3 diploma in CAD and technology, Wilkes has extensive experience not only in selling welding equipment, but in building and servicing friction welding machines. He will be responsible for promoting KUKA’s facility, one of the largest in Europe, which offers subcontract friction welding, induction heat treatment and metallurgical analysis and testing services.
“Rob’s process knowledge and experience in the industry means he’s been able to hit the ground running, both in terms of strengthening relationships with existing customers and developing valuable new contacts,” explains Jayne Shimwell, Kuka’s technical services manager.
The facility has also been boosted with the addition of a refurbished friction welding machine specifically for joining piston rod components. This investment means there are now nine machines at the site for handling a variety of rotary and linear friction welding applications. In fact, plans are already underway for the operation to move into larger premises near its existing site later this year.
