INDUSTRY ICON
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An enduring learning curve MARK NELSON’S CURRENT ROLE AS CONTRACTS MANAGER AT TIEMAN TANKERS REPRESENTS THE PINNACLE OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER THAT HAS SPANNED 45 YEARS. HE MAINTAINS THAT KEEPING UP WITH THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING NEEDS OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY HAS MADE FOR A VIBRANT AND DIVERSE WORKING LIFE. the Tieman business from an engineering perspective as coming up with innovations in the design of the company’s bitumen and chemical tankers, along with milk tankers, hose reel and pumping system designs. He also mentions introducing the company to the building and supply of aviation fuel tankers and taking the lead in Commonwealth projects building fuel and water tankers for the Australian Defence Force as being other highlights of his marathon career with Tieman. “We also build chocolate tankers which are a very complex design involving electric heating elements to keep the chocolate at the correct temperature during transit,” he elaborates, “and another innovative tanker
Mark Nelson.
design of Tieman is used for carrying fish Mark Nelson began his career with Tieman
since starting his career in the mid-1970s.
as an apprentice sheet metal worker in
“This was the pre-computer era so I did
harvested from fish farms in Tasmania. In conclusion, Mark acknowledges the
1975. He quickly learnt the craft of rolling
a lot of night school work to get up to
dynamic and innovative path Tieman has
and welding stainless steel sheets to
speed with the computer age in relation
taken over the course of his career as key
produce milk tanker barrels. His aptitude for the task was rewarded
to engineering and best practice, as well
to his interesting and varied tenure with
as manufacturing, supervision and human
with an Apprentice of the Year accolade for
resources.
the company. “As the world and the tanker market
sheet metal work in his graduation year at
“These additional qualifications enabled
opportunities have evolved, Tieman has
TAFE in Victoria. “The diversity of the company enabled a
me to progress through the various roles
progressed from manufacturing products
as my career evolved within the company,”
exclusively for the Australian market, to
lot of separate business opportunities over
Mark says, adding that initially there was
supplying products throughout the Asia and
the years, meaning I have enjoyed a variety
one 286 computer that he was allowed to
South Pacific regions, a process with which I
of job opportunities since gaining my trade
use for two hours each week to prepare
qualifications, while remaining with the same company,” Mark explains.
production reports. “From an engineering perspective I’ve seen
have been heavily involved,” Mark says. “I’ve really enjoyed my career with
His list of positions includes Team Leader,
the whole spectrum of development from
probably have a few more years to
Production Supervisor, a stint managing
the early days with the manual drawings on
go before retirement.”
the workshop at Tieman’s Brisbane branch,
the drawing board to the AutoCad and now
Production Manager back in Melbourne,
the SolidWorks 3-Dimensional software we
as well as Technical Manager, Contracts
use today.
Industry Icon
Estimator and Contracts Manager, which is
“I have particularly enjoyed working with
Made possible by Smedley’s Engineers.
Mark’s current title at Tieman’s Melbourne
the young engineers and shop floor trades
Industry Icon is a series dedicated to
head office. He describes the challenges involved and
people, imparting my knowledge and
honouring the unsung heroes of the
experiences.”
commercial road transport industry.
the massive learning curve he has been on
Mark describes his notable achievements in
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Trailer Magazine AUGUST 20
Tieman: I’m 63 now and I reckon I
