West Cumbria-based
Forth, a global leader in pioneering engineering solutions, has appointed Chris Downham to its senior management team as new programme manager to lead the development of its ‘groundbreaking’ projects.
He has recently worked on completing the company’s proof of concept of FSWBot, a world-first friction stir welding robotic crawler to carry out internal repairs and refurbishments to oil pipelines, and will concentrate on developing various other innovations which includes constructing a robot to inspect wind turbine blades.
A Durham University graduate, Mr Downham joins the company after working with water and wastewater company United Utilities for four years in roles including production manager and catchment manager.
Forth specialises in engineering excellence and works closely with industry leaders in a wide range of sectors to help deliver innovative and ground-breaking solutions to complex problems.
Mr Downham said: “I am thrilled to be working for an enterprise which makes such a huge impact globally. This is a company which is on the cutting edge of dealing with real-world solutions, and Forth has the ability to react to and affect change.
“I am enjoying being part of a new industry and learning new skills. I can also use the skills I have gained over the years to help develop the team here. It is a new challenge for me and I want to help the team grow and build on the outstanding work carried out here every day.”
A keen rugby player and former coach at Kendal Rugby Club, he has gained a leadership and management diploma in addition to his degree in natural sciences from Durham University.
Mark Telford, Forth managing director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to the team and we are excited to see how he can help drive the company forward. He brings with him a number of management and leadership qualities, and he is a great fit for Forth.
“We are happy to support Chris as he develops all the projects, and we look forward to him enjoying a long and successful career at Forth.”