PCL News

Apprenticeships & partnerships with training providers create routes into quality employment

Pneumatics expert PCL continues to recruit apprentices in Sheffield and the surrounding areas, offering opportunities that lead to long-term careers. 

Each year, the company collaborates with local colleges and universities to provide young people with hands-on training and support to gain quality, long-term employment. 

Since 2013, work placements and apprenticeships have been offered in Assembly, Machining, Safety Health Environment & Quality (SHEQ), IT and Sales and Marketing at PCL’s HQ. 

Those recruited gain invaluable experience, showing vast improvements in their communication skills and technical expertise. Many remain with the company well beyond completion of their apprenticeship programme. 

Machining

Dedicated support and comprehensive stock sees business booming across Northern Ireland

As one of PCL’s first Partner+ distributors, Ballymena-based Fyfes is a prime example of what businesses can achieve through the pneumatic expert’s bespoke business programme.

With 16 branches across Northern Ireland, Fyfes sells quality products for the automotive and engineering industries, including a comprehensive selection of PCL airline fittings, air hose reels and tyre inflation equipment.

Focus on operational excellence driven by customer-first approach

Pneumatics expert PCL is continuing to drive forward efficiency and flexibility for customers with a £550k investment into lean manufacturing and new product development.

Throughout the pandemic and beyond, PCL has been successfully implementing a programme of Operational Excellence aimed at driving forward efficiency, improving business operations, and enhancing performance and safety.

In terms of capital expenditure, this has involved:

• Installation of three carousel storage units to create space, improved stock accuracy and a safe and organised factory floor.

Sales & marketing lead to drive business forward with customer-centric approach

Pneumatics expert PCL has appointed Lee Wright as Managing Director to lead the company’s move towards a more market-driven approach.

Following a thorough recruitment process, supported by external consultants, Lee has taken the helm at the Sheffield-based HQ. Previously, the position was part of Joerg F Mayer’s remit as Group Managing Director at PCL’s parent company, HORNGROUP Holding.

Joerg

PCL appoints Trevor Swift as new Area Sales Manager for the M62 corridor

Business development expert Trevor Swift has joined PCL as their new Area Sales Manager for the M62 corridor, covering the coast-to-coast region from Hull to Liverpool.

Bringing extensive experience in the B2B automotive aftermarket and hardware industries, Trevor has been getting up to speed on the potential for PCL’s high quality and advanced portfolio of pneumatic equipment before setting out in the field to meet customers.

With relationship management a priority, Trevor will be keeping customers equipped whilst looking for new avenues for them to explore and expand their business.

With a proven track record in the strategic management of high turnover territories for over 15

PCL's new Business Development Manager will drill down solutions for OEMs and End Users

As pneumatics expert PCL continues to develop its highly skilled team, Business Development Manager Claire Tonks is settling into her new role in charge of OEM and End User business.

Tasked with developing and growing new and existing customer accounts, Claire brings considerable expertise to PCL from previous positions in the energy, industrial and automotive markets.

Used to working closely with engineers and across all areas of business, Claire has in-depth knowledge of technical sales, and operates strategically to grow customer databases and increase company turnover.

Her focus on developing solutions that bring benefits for both the organisation and its customers

First tyre inflator manufacturer to obtain national CEM standards across the board

PCL has become the first and only manufacturer of tyre inflation equipment to obtain Spanish CEM (Centro Español de Metrologia) approvals for its full portfolio and operations.

Following the EU’s decision to rule against a unified directive for tyre inflation, manufacturers now have to apply for national standards within the EU.

PCL therefore committed itself to ensuring all of its products are officially certified for use on the Spanish market.

As well as securing approval for its digital inflation range, PCL’s mechanical gauges have also passed the legislative criteria; and scoring a first for the Spanish market, PCL’s state of the art factory and testing facility in Sheffield has been approved to verify its mechanical gauges.

Meet PCL's New Area Sales Manager for the Central Region - Simon Foxall

Simon Foxall has been appointed Area Sales Manager to cover Central England for tyre inflation and compressed air equipment manufacturer PCL.

Bringing expertise in driving sales through existing accounts and identifying new business opportunities and distribution gaps, Simon most recently managed key accounts for a wholesaler and manufacturer of industrial hardware products. He is delighted to secure his position with PCL, where he has received the customary warm welcome.

Simon said: “Everyone wants to give you help and advice. If you’ve got an issue, there is someone there to support you to resolve it, and that internal ethos follows right through to the service provided to customers.”