Delapena Honing Equipment has appointed Phil Williams as head of business development with a remit to enhance the company’s position as a supplier of honing systems to a worldwide market.

Mr Williams joins the Cheltenham-based company after a 20 year career as an aero systems engineering officer in the Royal Air Force. He retired holding the rank of Squadron Leader for the prestigious Eurofighter program. Following the RAF he moved into industry, forging a career in the aerospace sector as a provider of engineering support solutions.

“The call to join Delapena was one of those opportunities that rarely come along. It’s a company that is enthusiastic and forward thinking and also willing to give me an almost free hand in developing the company’s sales strategy,” he explained.

Along with his colleagues at Delapena, Mr Williams is aiming to double the company’s turnover during the course of the next few years. Part of his job will be to expand on the company’s role as a solution provider, rather than simply a manufacturer of honing machines, tooling and fixturing.

He added: “In the short time that I have been here I can see the potential that Delapena has within its organisation in terms of skills, experience, and in-depth knowledge of the honing process. We have to capitalise on these core skills to take the company forward.”

Delapena received more than 100 enquiries at this year’s MACH exhibition and Mr Williams says he is confident at least 25% of these will result in new business in the near future.

Delapena Honing Equipment
www.delapena.co.uk