Hima-Sella continues to implement its strategy for growth with the appointment of Mick Stevens as Manager of its Technical Support Group. A highly skilled electrical and electronics engineer specialising in process controls, Mick brings over 30 years experience to this important position.

He began his career as an apprentice at GEC, working his way up the ranks until he was appointed service team manager at AVL, a leading engine design company. Having supported excavator manufacturer JCB at AVL, he then transferred to the engine development department of JCB itself, staying there until joining Hima-Sella.

Mick will expand and enhance the technical support portfolio at Hima-Sella. Staffed by specialist engineers, with provision for workshop repairs, the group provides a comprehensive, expert range of services, typically (but not exclusively) delivered on site. Services include system health checks, upgrade and modification, planned maintenance and 24/7 emergency cover for breakdowns. Hima-Sella also offers training for customers in house in both hardware and software.

The team’s knowledge of customers’ installed systems is kept up to date through a high level of routine involvement in system engineering, project management, site commissioning and acceptance testing for both new and upgrade projects.

“Most failures are plant related,” said Mick. “Safety systems like ours are made not to fail, so we almost always deal with interface problems rather than process control breakdowns. Like fire extinguishers and life jackets,” he added, “you don’t get to go back and try again if something goes wrong, so it’s our job to make sure it doesn’t!”

When meeting customers on site to discuss support options, Mick draws on his considerable experience to identify customers’ needs. “We manage customer expectations of reliability, so having them trust us and our equipment is vital.”

Hima-Sella is delighted to have Mick heading the team and anticipates a great future for him and the group.