Welcome to another instalment of our employee spotlight series. This month’s spotlight is on Rob, one of our welders/fabricators. We asked Rob a series of questions to get to know him better.
How long have you worked at D&M, and what brought you here?
I have been working at D&M for a year and a half now. I was TIG welding hose assemblies on a turntable all day, every day for a company. I worked there for 16 years and mastered everything that was required of me. I also developed a real passion for welding but didn’t really class what I was doing as “proper welding/fabrication”. I looked online at fabrication companies, and D&M’s website really stood out to me, seeing the quality of the work and products they make and the skill involved in doing it. I liked how everything was done in-house. Reading about how it all started and also reading those employee spotlights and the team mentality really made me think that’s what I want- I want to work there!
What does your job entail?
I’m on the fabrication team, so each day is different. Working from drawings, we assemble and TIG or MIG weld a wide range of products in various materials, from stainless steel to mild steel. I have also done a small amount of aluminium welding. There is some metal finishing involved, too, and we help out other departments when needed.
What do you like most about your job?
I’m doing exactly what I wanted to do (welding and fabrication), and I am learning new skills and becoming a better welder every day.
What is working at D&M like?
Working at D&M is great. Starting as a trainee fabricator was a bit of a whirlwind of information and new things to learn. It is quite fast-paced here, but everyone in the team/company went out of their way to help me if I was struggling, teaching me techniques and answering my endless questions.
We work to high standards, but there’s a cool vibe at D&M; we all have a laugh together.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I would like to still be learning and improving my welding skills here at D&M. Hopefully, there will be a little Rob running around with a dog in the finished garden… maybe just the dog.
What was your very first job?
I worked at kennels, walking the dogs and picking up…. I walked the dogs.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m really into hiking and wild camping in the mountains and remote places. I watch a lot of films and occasionally play PS5.
Can you tell us a fun fact / fun story about yourself?
Errrm, I met Ray Mears once. I’ve got a YouTube channel called Robology, based around my wild camping trips (don’t forget to like and subscribe). A few companies have sent me tents and hammocks for free to test out, so that’s cool.
What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
I have been binge-watching Yellowstone.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I want to see the Dolomites in Italy, hike and camp there, and stay in one of the Rifugios (mountain huts).