Manufacturing expert Kevin Diskin has joined leading Halifax engineering firm James Heal as Manufacturing Manager.
Mr Diskin brings over a decade of experience to his new role at James Heal, the market leader in the design and manufacture of precision testing equipment and support services in the global textile industry.
Mr Diskin’s skills range from extensive manufacturing process knowledge, production planning, mentoring and project management to capital expenditure justification, acquisitions and installations, tooling, standard operating procedures and business improvement strategies.
In his new role at James Heal, Mr Diskin will manage a team of 34, assuming lead responsibility for the manufacturing division, heading up the machine shop, sheet metal division and electro-mechanical build department.
Prior to joining James Heal, Mr Diskin, who originally comes from Saddleworth, spent 11 years at Renold Gears (Part of Renold PLC). After joining as an apprentice, he became a skilled mechanical engineer specialising in machining. He then progressed into a manufacturing engineering/project engineering role for several years, before becoming manufacturing supervisor with responsibility for three departments. Mr Diskin held that role for two years before joining James Heal.
Commenting on his new position, Mr Diskin said: “James Heal has a world-class reputation as an engineering firm and a leader in global innovation, so to be joining such a progressive business is a great opportunity. The role demands meeting the requirements of the business on time and in full, based on the most efficient and effective way possible ensuring that all components and finished products are to the highest quality standards.
“I’m really looking forward to developing the manufacturing division and managing a large, cohesive team of skilled manufacturing specialists, underpinning James Heal’s outstanding reputation as a major player in its field.”
With over 100 employees at its manufacturing and testing site in Halifax and supported by a global network of agents and distributors in over 60 countries, James Heal is a leading innovator and manufacturer of precision testing instruments, with expertise in materials testing across multiple sectors – from traditional textiles, to emerging sub-sectors of technical textiles.
Outside of textiles, the company’s products have been used to test materials, such as rubber, in the automotive industry; to more diverse items such as wooden flooring. The company comprises of three core divisions offering customers a complete service: Testing Instruments, Test Materials, and Service and Support.
Amanda McLaren, Managing Director at James Heal, said: “Kevin’s recruitment is another key strategic appointment for 2019, bringing a wealth of manufacturing experience and technical expertise to the firm. This year has been a significant one in terms of strengthening the team across all our divisions as we continue to showcase our innovative product range in markets around the world. Attracting and retaining the best qualified managerial staff with a strong strategic focus is really helping to reinforce James Heal’s position as a leading innovator in the global markets. Kevin’s appointment will assist the business to build on this enviable position in the marketplace and continue to wave the flag for British business at a crucial time in the manufacturing sector.”
