TPT November 2019

I NDUS T RY

Bringing the past, present and future of the welding industry together

industry and encourages education and partnerships,” he said. “It is a thrill for me to have been offered the position.” Looking to the future, he believes, will always be vital and he is determined to facilitate this by bringing his extensive experience of the industry past and present to the role. “The depth of understanding that my time in the business has generated is a firm basis going forward,” he added. “And I am always keen to make this background and knowledge available to everyone in the industry. Now, through this generous acknowledgement by the AWD, I have the perfect vehicle to do so.” It is a stance that will be widely endorsed by the association, which honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award two years ago. “Training, continuous innovation and enthusiasm – they are all building blocks for the future of the welding industry,” he concludes, “and if I can continue to help move these factors forward then I will be very happy.” At 83 years of age – and with a determination to still be involved in the industry by the time he reaches 90 – you would not bet against this one-time fireman on the Flying Scotsman who, today, is an example and an inspiration to everyone he meets. Westermans International Ltd – UK Email: welding@westermans.com Website: www.westermans.com

THERE can be few people in the welding industry better placed than Peter Westerman to reflect on both the past and present of the industry. Now, as he prepares to take on the role of president of the AWD – an honour of which he is extremely proud – he is just as keen to draw attention to the future. As enthusiastic today as when he took on his first welding equipment sales role some 55 years ago, Mr Westerman is quick to stress two key factors, which will continue to be at the heart of his work and approach: “Firstly, the role played by welding activities across industry, both at home and overseas, cannot be overstated and will continue to grow,” he said. “The technology can be seen everywhere – from aerospace, automotive and heavy engineering to domestic products, white goods and recreational equipment – so its quality and ongoing innovation will always be fundamental. This has always been a key driver behind my own approach and that of my business.” His company, Westermans Interna- tional, is committed to bringing leading technology to a wide range of customers in a cost-effective way. The organisation has a reputation for the sourcing, refurbishment and supply- ing of a vast range of welding and as- sociated equipment. “The second area that has given me such enjoyment throughout my career, and which I am sure will also continue

Peter Westerman

to the benefit of the industry, is quite simply the type of people that I have been able to work with,” he added. “Like all industries and professions, the equipment and services provided are highly dependent upon the knowledge, enthusiasm and trust of the people bringing them to customers and, in this regard, I am extremely grateful for the input from the long list of individuals and organisations that I have been lucky enough to deal with.” Mr Westerman is able to bring his views on the industry directly to a wide range of its management and workforce through his new role as AWD president – a body of which he was a founding member when it formed in 1973. He added that he cannot speak highly enough of the organisation, nor of the role it plays both through the support it provides and the opportunities it creates. “I am extremely impressed with the AWD as a professional organisation as it drives awareness of the welding

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NOVEMBER 2019