How did you get started in the fastener industry? Torque Magazine shoots this and more quick-fire questions at Steve Auld, the Managing Director of Rivco, Arpel and Kamtech Fasteners...
How long have you been in the industry?
I started in 1981.
What was your first job in the industry and how did you get started?
It was with Trutite as a Junior Buyer. Previous to that, in my first job I worked as a trainee buyer for an Oil and Gas company where I bought all type of consumables including fasteners.
What roles have you had through your career?
Junior Buyer Trutite, Purchasing Manager Webbs Fasteners, Commercial Director MBS, Sales Director Serco Ryan, Managing Director T.R Fasteners and seven years as Chairman of BAFD (now BIAFD).
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Over the years there have been a number of colleagues but the ones that resonate the most for very differing reasons and characteristics are John
Dunn, Steven Russell, Bill Wilson and Paul Lower.
What’s the best thing about working in the fastener industry?
Meeting people from all levels from the CEO to the ‘Lad and Dad’ business and I must say I much prefer the life of selling to the distribution market.
What have been the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry?
Next day carriage, businesses becoming more professionally managed and less big characters around the industry.
What are you working on now?
It is a busy period for all three companies, especially as the launch of ARK Branded products commenced last month. ARK Rivets, Structural Rivets, Rivet Nuts are available through Rivco, Arpel and Kamtech fasteners. It is an exciting time for us.
How can the industry get in contact?
steve@rivco.co.uk
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