Derek Holmes has been appointed head of manufacturing for SATRA’s equipment sales business centre. Last year the technology centre earned £2 million in revenue from the production and sale of laboratory test equipment.

Derek joins after spending 18 years with a major UK manufacturing company with an international client base where he was general manager.

Derek’s role at SATRA will involve overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing process as well as electrical sub-contracting and surface finishing. In addition, he will work with the design and workshop personnel on the development and upgrading of current models.

SATRA produce a range of more than 100 items of equipment, mainly for the footwear industry, and sells to clients in more than 70 countries. Stephen Andrew, equipment sales business manager and assistant director of SATRA, says: ‘Meeting order deadlines is a major priority and we will be looking to Derek’s skills and expertise to ensure we don’t disappoint our customers.’