TPi July 2016

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54 Tube Products International July 2016
n What does your company specialise in and why is it the
best at what it does?
My company specialises in supplying every type of second-
hand equipment used in the welding and fabrication
metalwork industry. I started this business to provide value
for money for those companies that have a restrictive budget
but did not want to compromise on high-quality professional
machinery.
n What are main projects you are working on at the moment?
With the world’s economy slowing down dramatically, I am
personally involved in seeking potential business partners
around the world whom I could work with. The aim is to locate
and buy equipment either from them or via them. Our supplies
have moved from Africa to Central America, and buoyant
sectors are renewable energy, biomass and LNG.
n What are the future plans for your company?
Do you see a lot of potential for growth in the regions
that you deal with?
We aim for long-term growth by building up trust and great
relationships with businesses around the world. We saw rapid
growth in the tube and pipe sectors from 2009 to 2014. This
has now slightly settled, but we still have many prospects in
Ireland in orbital pipe fitting. Personally, I am looking to work
a four-day week when I am 90 years old.
n What’s the most enjoyable thing about your job/working
for the company/working in your current role?
Being able to travel, meeting new people and making lifelong
friends on the way. I’d like to stand back and admire the
strength of the company now.
n What is the toughest aspect of your job? And what
is the most difficult thing about being in a position of
responsibility at a large company?
Getting old. I am a young 80 years old.
An interview with Peter Westerman
Peter Westerman, MD of Westermans International, who turned 80 years of age this year, was recently presented with a
lifetime achievement award by The Association of Welding Distribution (see our Welding section for the full story).