Congratulations Duncan Knight on 25 Years Loyal Service to Drallim Industries.
Duncan started his career as a ‘Manufacturing Operative’ in Sep 1999, aged just 19. Working in the production team, building LMT systems, and the first ever smart valve systems amongst other prototypes.
In this time he also got married and started a production line of his own at home! and now has 3 grown up boys!
Senior Manufacturing Operative
In 2006 Duncan became ‘Senior Manufacturing Operative’, this role involved product testing as well as the manufacture of products, and the training and guidance of new staff. He also had to qualify as a forklift driver and a production inspector for this role, and undergoing all the necessary training to be able to use the tensile test equipment amongst other test systems.
Manufacturing Team Leader
In 2012 Duncan became ‘Manufacturing Team Leader’ at one point he had 18 members of permanent and temporary staff in his team. At this time we also took on several new projects for Rolls Royce which took us in a different direction and involved a lot more fabrication. The introduction of a new powder coating booth and oven, meant once again there were many new skills to be mastered.
Manufacturing Manager
In May 2015 Duncan took over the role of ‘Manufacturing Manager’. A big change of role which saw him take complete responsibility of the department. As a team they undertook some “interesting” challenges including steering arms for MacTaggart Scott which were the main component for their rail-less helicopter deck handling system. This project provided several solution opportunities along the way with tight deadlines requiring 18 hour days at times.
Manufacturing and Production Control Manager
In October 2024 Duncan took the role of ‘Manufacturing and Production Control Manager’ He says this was his biggest challenge to date, taking on goods inwards and despatch!
Drallim have acquired a few companies over the years and this is never an easy task. Duncan has always been very hands on and committed to getting things done. After the Drallim Fire for example when we thought all was lost. Duncan was one of the people that helped to make things happen, and was a great asset to the company at a very difficult time; when we had to rebuild ourselves from scratch. He even found us alternative premises to rent so were able to start again. Which made a massive difference to how things might have turned out.
As John said at his presentation “every company needs a Duncan”
Here’s to the next 25 years Duncan!
