TPi July 2016

Peter Westerman, MD of Westermans International

• Began working life as a stoker on the railways • Started selling from an early age, following the lead of his mother, who owned a second- hand shop and bought from auctions • Joined Petbow Cummins, a large welding equipment supplier, in 1963, and quickly became national sales manager • Set up Leicester Welding Supplies in the mid- 1970s, going on to win large contracts (British Steel, Corby and others in the UK’s East Midlands region) • Sold up and retired by 1986, aged 45 • Started his current business a couple of years later, as a used welding equipment dealer in a 1,000ft 2 unit with only three staff

n What’s the most exciting or challenging project you have overcome during your career so far and why? The most exciting project was when I decided to retire at the age of 45. I could not predict how quickly I would get bored. I realised then I wasn’t interested in anything other than welding, but not being able to supply new machines due to a clause in the buyout contract, I found a way by selling refurbished used products. I remember the industry, back in the 80s, thought I had gone mad. It was long before recycling was considered to be fashionable like it is now. n What is your proudest moment? Recently I was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Welding Distributors. It is a very humble yet proud feeling to witness over 200 people in your industry and your colleagues – all there to witness your business commitment and passion of the trade. n How do you see the tube and pipe industry (or your specific sector of it) changing over the next five to ten years following the global recession? What do you think the industry can learn for the future from the past few years? Nothing stands still and nothing is safe nowadays. I think the industry can learn about adapting to changes quickly, as and when they happen. As a global supplier, we also must move with industry trends. For example, technology is constantly changing, same as industry standards do. Robotic welding for precise work will be vital and more imposing, so training skilled

staff to fill our skill shortages is also vital. I believe health and safety will play an even bigger part. Manufacturing will always be a massive part of the economy, but efficiency and pricing are key to a successful business service or product. n What advice would you give to someone trying to make it in the tube industry? If a student or young person wanted to get involved, what should they do? I would say, “Do look ten years ahead.” Make time to research the latest legislations, as these are key to the future manufacturing in the tube and pipe sectors. I would also tell them, “Think big and bolder.” In 2016, skilled engineers are in high demand, more than ever. There are some amazing technology training centres worldwide that can be tapped into for further knowledge.

Westermans International Ltd – UK welding@westermans.com www.westermans.com

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July 2016 Tube Products International