Ford Aerospace has expanded its team with the appointment of three new members of staff – Madalina Ciobanu, Brian Erskine and Harvey Strand.
Madalina has joined as a press operator. Having relocated to the North East from Northampton, Madalina’s first encounter with the business was when she was working on a temporary contract for a local cleaning company. Impressed by the team’s sense of camaraderie, she applied for a press operator vacancy and is delighted to join the business full time.
As a press operator Madalina’s role includes setting up and calibrating presses, monitoring operations and inspecting products, before they move to the next stage of production.
New quality inspector Brian Erskine is a time-served tool maker, he is an also an experienced CNC Miller and Turner and moved in quality approximately nine years ago.
With a wide range of manufacturing experience, gained from working for companies both in the North East and on projects in Europe, Asia and America, Brian will be joining a strong team focused on the verification and inspection of customer parts. In addition, he’ll also support production teams across the site helping to identify and trouble shoot any potential issues.
Harvey Strand was still at school when he contacted Ford Aerospace direct about a potential apprenticeship. Impressing staff with his enthusiasm and company knowledge, he signed up to do a pre-apprenticeship engineering course with Gateshead College. He then joined the team as a first-year apprentice in March this year. Harvey’s 4-year apprenticeship specialises in CNC Milling and as part of his extensive training he will spend time in all areas of operations to become familiar with the company’s production processes, as well as attending college a day per week while he completes his training.
Brian said: “When I first saw the job advert, I was really intrigued by the job description and wanted to find out more about the products made by the company. I am so pleased I applied (and got the job!). It is a fascinating place to work, and the people are lovely. From day one I was made to feel like part of the team and really supported.
General manager Mike Eggleston said: “Quality is such an important area for us and as an experienced manufacturing quality inspector Brian has fitted into his new role extremely well. Likewise, it is wonderful to formally welcome Madalina, who is a fantastic addition to the production team. Both she and Brian bring with them a range of skills from other sectors and manufacturing roles.
“As an apprentice Harvey brings enthusiasm and fresh ideas. He is already beginning to make an impact, and I am sure he will continue to flourish as he progresses through his course with the support of his colleagues and fellow apprentices.
“They are all welcome additions to the team, and it is great to have them with us.”
Based on the Port of Tyne in South Shields, Ford Aerospace’s history dates back to 1910. The company first entered the aerospace market in the 1980’s. Part of the global SPIROL group, Ford Aerospace works with the world’s leading Primes and OEMs supplying legacy, spares and components, a combination of make-to-print and industry standard components in quantities ranging from 1 off to 100,000.
To find out more about what it is like to work at Ford Aerospace please visit our Careers page.