New Pailton Engineering MD points to automated future

Coventry-based steering systems manufacturer, Pailton Engineering, has appointed Dave Pound as its new Managing Director. The family-run business is confident Dave’s vast experience with tierone automotive suppliers will help Pailton Engineering continue its upward trajectory.

“The attraction was a business that is clearly doing well, but wants to do even better,” Dave explained. “Before taking this role, I had a lot of interaction with people here, from the family to the team members on the shop floor. It felt like everyone was ready to embrace change and I’m convinced that we can make a positive difference.”

After graduating from Loughborough University with an engineering degree, Dave started his career with GKN Hardy Spicer in 1984, where he began as an apprentice. In an early part of his career he undertook roles in production planning and sales and upon joining Dunlop-Topy Wheels in 1995 progressed through management roles in commercial and operations.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Dave held multiple leadership positions where his challenge was to transform struggling companies into profitable businesses, with notable successes including the transformation of Kautex UK Ltd, Kautex Unipart Limited and Unipart Powertrain Applications.

Dave is keen to share his knowledge and understanding with his new colleagues, especially his experience of automation.

“I’ve got a lot of experience working with automation, collaborative robots in particular,” he said. “With the right plan in place, we can automate many things we do here. This will make things safer for workers and free them up for more skilled tasks.”

The new Managing Director is also keen to retain the focus on customisation that has made Pailton Engineering the leader within its niche. Dave added: “Although there are other companies that manufacture steering systems, there is simply no other manufacturer that can offer the level of customisation that we can provide and that will remain at the heart of what we do.”

To find out more, visit pailton.com