Technidrive appoints new sales director and automation director

The appointments recognise the contribution both Ritchie and Kernaghan have made to Technidrive over several years, as the company has expanded from a supplier of motors, gearboxes and drives into a provider of more complete mechanical, electrical and automation solutions.

Ritchie has been with Technidrive for almost 14 years, having joined the business in 2012. He began in internal sales before moving into external sales, where he developed a strong technical understanding of mechanical and electrical drive systems. He later became sales manager and joined Technidrive’s senior management team in 2021.

As sales director, Ritchie will focus on building existing customer relationships, developing new business and expanding Technidrive’s routes to market. This includes supporting growth beyond the company’s home markets in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with further opportunities in Great Britain, Europe and international sales.

"Over the last number of years, we’ve seen more customers looking for complete solutions rather than individual components," said Ritchie. "They want support in bringing motors, gearboxes, controllers and automation together in a way that delivers the right performance for their application.

"To be appointed as a director after 14 years with Technidrive means a lot to me. It is recognition of the work that has gone into helping the business grow, but it also brings a new level of responsibility. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to help shape the next stage of the company’s development."

Kernaghan joined Technidrive almost seven years ago to establish the company’s automation department. His role has since developed from technical selection and systems integration support into wider customer-facing, commercial and strategic responsibilities. He also joined the senior management team in 2021.

As automation director, Kernaghan will focus on continuing to grow Technidrive’s automation business through increased sales, expansion into new markets, development of the automation team and continued investment in technical capability.

"When I joined Technidrive, customers were increasingly asking for a higher level of technical support," said Kernaghan. "It was no longer just about setting up a variable speed drive. Customers wanted to know how it would communicate with a PLC or SCADA system, how different protocols would work together and how the wider system could be integrated.

"This appointment reflects the trust the company has placed in me and gives me an even stronger sense of responsibility for the future of the business. I don’t see it as a point where the hard work stops. If anything, this is the time to find another gear."

Technidrive’s recent growth has been driven by rising demand for industrial automation, bespoke engineering solutions and industrial drive technologies. The company is seeing particular momentum in areas such as Drum Drive solutions, dairy technology, marine winch systems and its jaw crusher unblock system, which is now gaining traction in markets including Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and Indonesia.

The appointments also reflect a wider change in customer expectations. According to Technidrive, original equipment manufacturers are increasingly looking for technical partners that can help solve application challenges, integrate control and drive systems and develop proven solutions that can be taken into new markets.

"Gary and Andrew have both played an important role in Technidrive’s growth and demonstrated the leadership, expertise and customer focus needed to help guide the business forward," added John Coulter, director at Technidrive. "Their complementary experience across sales, automation, supplier relationships, product development and customer support will strengthen our senior management team considerably."

"These promotions also reflect our commitment to developing talent from within and building a strong leadership team around a shared vision. I am confident Gary and Andrew will help ensure our people feel valued, understand the direction of the business and play an active role in Technidrive’s continued success."

www.technidrive.co.uk