Bridgend, Wales, Aug. 19, 2019: TBD, renowned for ground support equipment and specialist access solutions for the global aviation industry, has appointed Huw Leonard to the senior position of Operations Manager (Director designate).
Leonard has joined the company to apply his technical expertise within the aviation manufacturing environment and he will spearhead continuous improvement strategies within the fast-growing UK business to meet rising global demand.
Steve Meredith, CEO – TBD, is undertaking a wide-ranging review of all processes and introducing a comprehensive investment program to ensure that TBD remains at the forefront of innovation and quality in an industry sector that relies on durable products with top performance 24/7/365. He comments on the importance of operational excellence to support the global sales strategy: “Huw joins TBD at a pivotal point in our development. We have recently introduced several important safety innovations that will have significant global impact on ground handling equipment and the success of our passenger stairs means we not only have to streamline our manufacturing systems without losing our reputation for flexibility, but we also have to build the skills and caliber of our technicians and engineers. Huw’s in-depth knowledge of lean methodologies, supply chain systems and logistics will contribute to generating further efficiencies and added value, which we will pass on to customers.”
According to Leonard, capitalizing on the growth potential of TBD through the sustained supply of equipment to airlines, lessors and MROs needs a robust operational core.
“The production team at TBD is dedicated and experienced. They are highly skilled across a variety of techniques and the use of robotic welding equipment. My role is to maximize TBD’s unique ability to innovate and tailor-make specialist items, with a transition to a slick and lean production line for standard items like baggage trailers and stairs – because we sell a great quantity to airlines worldwide. Using my experience with the latest technologies and ERP systems will deliver benefits to production flow and logistics, I am also keen to bring in policies that further enhance TBD’s commitment to waste reduction and cleaner, environmentally conscious, processes. TBD is an inspirational environment and it means a great deal to me personally to work with a British company that is so focused and energetic.”
Leonard’s career has served top tier automotive, aerospace, rail and telecommunications companies as well as military and defense solutions. He has strong experience running plants with ISO9001, 14001 & 18001 accreditations. Most recently he was UK MD / Plant Manager for EnerSys Ltd, a U.S. company with a manufacturing base in Newport, South Wales, supplying high end batteries to a wide-ranging global customer base. Prior to that he was Operations Director at IG Lintels/Expamet Building Products (Cwmbran) with total operational responsibility for the South Wales manufacturing & logistics facility producing approx. 23KT of steel lintel products per year for the UK construction industry. Previous roles with Pirelli and Ford, among others, have honed his team building and production skills.
