Walter GB has strengthened its UK sales operation with three new appointments, including two Field Sales Engineers and the creation of a Key Account Manager role for the company's largest OEM customers.
The appointments mark another milestone in Walter's ongoing UK growth trajectory, bringing talented and highly experienced engineering talent into the business.
Ross Shaw joins Walter as Key Account Manager, a newly created position reporting directly to managing director Ashley Battison. This reporting line reflects the seriousness with which Walter is investing in its relationships with the country's largest manufacturers.
Mr Shaw brings more than 23 years' experience in the cutting tool industry. In his previous role with an industry-leading distributor, he progressed from internal sales to playing an integral role in establishing a technical support department, before moving into field sales and later sales management, working with a wide range of cutting tool brands along the way.
In his new role, Mr Shaw will lead end-to-end evaluations of major OEM accounts, identifying where Walter's products, application expertise and UK-based engineering support can improve productivity, efficiency and process security, and drive cost reductions.
He said: “I have worked collaboratively with most cutting tool manufacturers over the years, and Walter is the one company that stood out for its investment in distributor relationships, staff development and, of course, product development. After almost 25 years with one company, I wouldn’t have left for any other company.”
Ben Stephens and Chris Auton are joining Mr Shaw as field sales engineers. These two additions will extend Walter's regional technical support for manufacturers across the UK.
Chris Auton returns to Walter UK after 14 years with Walter Canada, bringing his total service with the Walter brand to 26 years. This career of manufacturing expertise across two continents will help deliver innovative solutions, methodologies and confidence to manufacturers in the South West.
Ben Stephens joins Walter from the shopfloor, bringing more than a decade of hands-on machining experience to a sales role, where he will support customers in the West Midlands. During his career, Mr Stephens has progressed from manual to CNC machining and programming, specialising in heavy turning across a range of industry sectors.
Ashley Battison, managing director of Walter GB, said: "At Walter GB, we are building an engineering team to enhance and streamline service and support for customers, particularly manufacturers with challenging projects. The three appointments mark a key milestone in our long-term strategy. They also demonstrate our ongoing investment in staff, structure and the expertise needed to support customers as the business continues to develop.
“We are delighted to have three engineers with such a breadth of industry and product expertise. The appointments underpin our growth ambitions and demonstrate our commitment to delivering unparalleled service for our customers.”
Pic: From left: Ben Stephens, Ross Shaw and Chris Auton