The People of CastAlum – Process Manager Interview – Richard Davenport
This month we have an interview with our Process Manager: Richard Davenport. Read on to get an insight into the complexities of working in process engineering!
Here’s what Richard has to say about his time working in the foundry:
“I have been working at CastAlum for nine years in total now. When I started, I was looking for a new challenge in the engineering sector. I was attracted by CastAlum’s vast engineering capabilities. Their high pressure die casting (HPDC) process appealed to me because of its complexity and wide range of process variables. Plus, CastAlum had a very experienced group of engineers to work alongside. The role also included the responsibility of programming six-axis industrial robots, which was a skill I was keen to learn.
Career Progression
My first job title was that of Process Technician, which was actually a step down from my previous employment as a Process Engineer. I quickly realised though that the role at CastAlum is so complex, that it was the right choice to allow me to learn the new process fully. I then moved into the role of Process Improvement Engineer, and after several years in that position, received a promotion to head up the department as Process Manager. This is the role I have occupied for the last three and a half years.
I particularly enjoy the challenge of creating the process that enables high volume production of cast aluminium parts for a range of top end customers. These include automotive marques such as McLaren, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volkswagen. I also find it rewarding to lead a team of great engineers that achieve excellent improvement results in what can be a challenging process environment.
Commissioning a Die Casting Machine
I am proud to have been involved in the setup of our latest 2000 tonne die cast machine. This involved the full setup and commissioning of a six-axis KUKA extraction robot by myself and my team. Seeing the machine and ancillary equipment being delivered in a number of pieces that need to be precisely built in order to allow us to set up the process to achieve high volume production was a great project to be involved in.
If you’re interested in working at CastAlum, I’d encourage you to apply for any opportunities that arise. It’s a fantastic place to work, and offers a variety of challenges. If you fully engage and take the time to understand the die casting process and all of its integral parts, you can have a very rewarding career. Every day offers the opportunity to learn something new, face new challenges, and develop innovative solutions.”
Richard Davenport
Process Manager
