Established in 2009 UPE is a multi faceted General / Heavy Engineering business whichprovides a “one stop” engineering service to the NSW North Coast Region.The UPE Team delivers practical and innovative engineering solutions and services rangingfrom simple fabrication and machining through structural steel work, maintenance and repairservices, to design and construction of complex plant and equipment as well as providingindependent inspection and evaluation servicesIn a such dynamic team and as the General Manager i contribute to all aspects ofoperation from hands on shop floor work, design, sales, project management, supervision /inspection and consulting services.

Covering a wide variety of projects related to the upgrade or construction of governmentinfrastructure.These projects varied in nature, value and complexity with my involvement being from theoriginal concept development through preparation of tender documentation, tender call &evaluation, contract negotiation & administration to supervision and Inspection of thephysical works.

Project Management - Australian Construction Materials Northern Region Operations.Projects ranged from simple equipment fabrication, plant upgrade and safety works throughtender preparation for major infrastructure projects to the complete establishment of a newbusiness or production plant.Significant Achievements include: Design & Construction of a new concrete production plant at Macksville. Participation in Re design, and feasibility of crushing & screening circuits andJohn’s River Quarry

Initially commenced with Boral as a Quality Management Representative / Project Manager.This initial period involved the management of several large road surfacing Projects as wellas utilisation of practical engineering and process evaluation skills to identify and implementimprovements to the existing plant, equipment, processes and technologies.Progressed through the Mgt Team, often called on to manage plant upgrade works across the state.The role was extended to that of Regional Manager for the North Coast NSW; responsible forKempsey, north to the Qld Border including 3 plants, and 2 major depots.The Region - 8 business units, turnover of $20 million p.a., workforce of 100 + many subcontractors & 100 items of mobile plant and equipment.Responsible for all aspects of business management: Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Tender Submission, Contract Negotiation, Project Management, Statutory reporting and all day to day operational control.Significant Achievements include: Managing the Growth and development of the North Coast Region businesses.In particular the Coffs Harbour operation grown from an aged 30t/hrproduction plant, with hired equipment and part time crew, to a business with 40 permanent staff and a large fleet of modern equipment. The Progressive upgrade / modification of production plants to ensure environmental legislation requirements are met. Project Management of Asphalt & Sealing on major Road Upgrade & Infrastructure Projects. Development & exploitation of new technologies in road surfacing & sealing processes. The Strategic amalgamation of Lismore & Alstonville based business units. The development and mentoring of individuals within the business. Development and implementation of the Drug & Alcohol program across allsites & business. Modification and upgrade of production plants to allow incorporation of specialmaterials and the production of cutting edge asphalt mixes.

Change agent role in a very old and rigid highly unionised environment, required strong communication and people skills.

Commenced as Quality & Contracts Manager, and in addition, managed multiple, multi faceted engineering projects. A major objective being the development, implementation and 3rd party accreditation of a Quality Assurance system across the entirety of this integrated heavy engineering company.Growth of the business saw a management restructure and the opportunity to undertake therole of Business Manager Heavy Fabrication, which had responsibility for the OperationalManagement of 3 separate fabrication workshops employing approximately 120 staff.The Business Manager worked closely with the Directors of the company and was responsible for all aspects of Business Management including; preparation of business plans and budgets, cost estimation and tender submission, contract negotiation, project management and all day to day operational activities.Significant Achievements include: The development, implementation and 3rd party accreditation of a Quality Assurance system across the whole of this integrated Heavy Engineering Company within a 12 month time frame. The establishment of a new small engineering business that was also a Training centre for apprentices, young supervisors and engineers. Involvement in major shutdown works for BHP Blast Furnace and utilised welding expertise to enable significant reduction in both workshop and site costs and lead times. Establishment of a satellite Maintenance / Engineering workshop in Sydney to service expanding client base

Scope of accountability included the development of technologies and procedures as well asoperator training and workshop supervision for the largest Australian manufacturer of HeatExchangers and Pressure Vessels during a time of high development and activity withapproximately 70 Boilermakers / Welders being employed.Responsibilities included review of specifications and codes, liaison with design team todevelopment practical manufacturing methodology, development, testing and submission ofwelding procedures for client approval, enhancement of workshop methods and equipment toimprove quality and efficiency.

A Challenging, multi faceted hands on role in a small and rapidly expanding Private Engineering company.

Change agent role in a very old and rigid highly unionised environment, required strong communication and people skills.

Commenced at Goninan as a Metallurgist involved in the Production / Casting and “in line” testing in the Heavy iron foundry before moving into the role as Welding Engineer, a position held for approximately 7 years.The position provided opportunity for involvement in a wide variety of Construction projects for Power Stations, Sugar Mills, Mineral processing and the Mining Industry. Experience across the full range of business management came as a result of working in various project teams often having involvement from concept design and cost estimation to bid development and negotiation, workshop manufacture and on site installation and commissioning.