Perth-based Cockayne Systems, a joint venture between Edwards Engineering and DPS Group, has announced the appointment of Matt Stevenson as operations director following a number of new clients wins.

With over 50 years’ experience, the company is a leading manufacturer of cask filling and disgorging solutions, controls and meter calibrations for the whisky industry.

Ben Carter, Cockayne chief executive, said: “2020 hasn’t been the year anyone predicted or planned for. However, we have been lucky enough to not only keep operating throughout the pandemic and all the challenges that brought, but we have also grown the business with a number of significant orders from key players in the distilling industry.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Matt’s industry and technical insight as part of our team. His background in design and development of bespoke machinery and robotics enhances our ability to respond to a broad range of cask handling, filling and disgorging problems, offering tailored and efficient solutions for our clients.”

An experienced engineer, Matt has worked in the field of automation and robotics for the last 12 years. He joins Cockayne having spent nine years at Dundee-based SP Automation and Robotics where he used his design knowledge to produce proposals and concepts for one off bespoke machinery solutions for a number of industries.

Mr Stevenson said: “This is really exciting time to join Cockayne as their growth continues on an upward trajectory. I am looking forward to building on the firm’s reputation for customer focus and exceeding customer expectations, as we create fit for purpose solutions that embrace automation where possible, and leverage operational data the benefit of our clients.”