Meet the Team
Alex Kitchen | Chairman | alex@velden.co.uk
At 22 Alex along with his two former business partners started Velden during the 3 day week in 1973. Alex has led the company through the good times and the recessions of the late 70’s mid 80’s and early 90’s even taking the company on the BBC television series Troubleshooter.
Alex is a passionate golfer and is currently Chairman at Dunscar G.C. He also enjoys supporting Bolton Wanderers FC and spending time with family including his two grandchildren.
Austin Kitchen | Managing Director | austin@velden.co.uk
Austin started working at Velden shortly after leaving school in 2001 primarily developing the Vmans ERP system and has now become Managing Director, introducing new technologies including the waterjet cutter.
Austin lives in Horwich with girlfriend Kara and his two small children. In his spare time he enjoys watching football, computers and nights out at music gigs.
Paul Duckworth | Production Manager | paul@velden.co.uk
Paul is responsible for estimating, planning and scheduling work. He organises and runs the shop floor and liaises directly with Customers & Suppliers. Paul works extremely hard and hates it if for any reason he is unable to achieve the lead time delivery promise to the Customer.
Alison Gordon | Company Secretary | alison@velden.co.uk
Everybody likes Alison … Employees, Customers and Suppliers. No wonder, not only does she combine an extremely busy family life with keeping Velden organised and running the general office. She oversees legal matters, health & safety, training & development. She finds the time to be a great team player – helpful to everyone.
John Nuttall | Purchasing & Sales Manager
john.nuttall@velden.co.uk
Many years experience working with a major power generation & switchgear ‘blue-chip’ at the highest levels has prepared John for working on the other side of the fence at Velden. John heads up purchasing ensuring on-time materials are available for jobs. In addition, John plays a major strategic role in trying to maintain Velden sales order book.
Lee Valentine | Plant Manager | lee@velden.co.uk
Lee is a highly experienced and talented engineer. Not only does he play a major part in keeping Velden Group key machines up and running, he finds time to get involved in estimating, planning and programming jobs, design & manufacture of jigs & fixtures and various company projects at a top level.
Andy Wood | Quality Manager | andy@velden.co.uk
Not only does Andy head-up the Quality Team responsible for audits and paperwork he gets involved in Velden Group own products. In addition, he helps produce technical literature, marketing brochures and in-house work instructions & flowcharts.
Mick Whittle | Works Manager
mick@roncoengineering.co.uk
Mick is very much hands-on. He responds directly to Customers needs and requirements, estimating prices and organising the work through the shop floor.
Susan Smith | Ronco Company Secretary
susan@roncoengineering.co.uk
Sue is a popular member of the team and retains the Cain family
link with Ronco now that her father Ron, the founder, is semi
retired. In addition to her role as company secretary, Sue is
responsible for Ronco administration, payroll & accounts.
John Wolfendale | Sales & Purchasing Manager
john@roncoengineering.co.uk
John has many years experience in the liquid and vacuum pump and process industry from shop floor to management. John is responsible for Ronco Order processing, material procurement and job planning.
Steve Kitchen | Quality Coordinator | steve@velden.co.uk
Steve is one of Velden's longest serving employees and leads Velden's Quality department, calculating and supplying ISIR's, Control Plans, PFMEA's etc to customer requirement.
