HotSeat – Robin Glover, Area Sales Manager at Kongskilde Industries

Kongskilde Industries has been serving the agricultural, paper and plastics industries for over seventy years, transporting a wide range of materials and components with its extensive range of pneumatic conveying systems. Based in Denmark, the company now has offices in nine countries across four continents. Robin Glover, Kongskilde Industries UK Area Sales Manager, is next to face the HotSeat…

What trends do you think will shape the future of UK plastics?  How will Kongskilde Industries respond?

Kongskilde Industries A/S has specialised in system solutions for pneumatic conveying and handling of process material in the plastic, paper and packaging industries.

Kongskilde was founded in 1949 and operates and offers service and technical support virtually anywhere in the World. We are headquartered in Sorø, Denmark with nine sales companies in Europe, North America, South Africa, and Asia. Kongskilde’s production facilities are also located at our headquarters in Denmark. Own production of key machines and components ensure seamless integration and optimal system performance.

All over the world, Kongskilde solutions are solving problems in the paper, plastics and packaging industries. Whether it is the conveying of plastic granules, regrind production waste, finished items or special applications, Kongskilde offers a variety of custom-built solutions.

Everyone recognises the need for increased productivity on main production machinery, but many companies overlook the potential savings and increased efficiency that a process waste handling system can offer.

Kongskilde’s industrial solutions contribute to the automation and efficiency of the customer’s production, recycling of process waste and improvement of the working environment.

Kongskilde’s solutions are modular, simple to install in existing production buildings and require minimal maintenance.

So, reflecting on the solutions we offer, we see a growing trend for sustainability as we find many companies working towards initiatives with refining processes to include scrap reduction and recycling to aid the circular economy.

How has Kongskilde Industries developed during your tenure?

The ownership recently changed for Kongskilde Industries A/S, and we are now owned by Green Park Partners, a UK-based principal investment fund. Kongskilde’s core businesses consist of GRAIN (grain handling equipment) and INDUSTRY (system solutions for pneumatic conveying and handling of process material in the plastic, paper and packaging industries).

It is an exciting time with the new owners’ aspirations to push the company further on as the number one global supplier of pneumatic conveying systems.  We are seeing lots of investment at our production site in Sorø Denmark.

What do you credit as the key to your success?

Polished shoes, I put that one down to my mum, who instilled that into me! But seriously, presentation is important and being prepared.  I hate being late and would rather always arrive early than leave at the last minute.  Something I constantly try and tell my two teenagers at home.

I also think it’s good to jump outside of your comfort zone from time to time and take on new challenges.

What has been the greatest challenge in your career?

Going back to being an employee after running my own Business until the crash of 2008/9.  However, working at Kongskilde-Industries has been equally as challenging, exciting and demanding.  In learning about the plenteous plastic processes out there and being responsible for delivering a solution on time that meets the highest expectations of our customers.

It’s a challenging role and certainly keeps me busy from day to day.

What advice do you wish you’d had on entering the industry and does that differ from the advice you would give to an apprentice joining now?

Never pretend to understand everything.  But never ask the same question more than twice, so listen.  Most people are more than pleased to explain their process, so show an interest and don’t be concerned you have to send it all to memory.  I am a great advocate in referring to notes and I believe it shows you’ve been listening.

Also, challenge the status quo from time to time, and ask why it is done in a certain way.  If you see a better way, then have the confidence to say it. Never stop trying to learn something new and finally don’t always be the first to reply in a group, sometimes waiting and hearing other suggestions within a team will help you shape your reply when it comes to being asked for your view.  (I am still working on that one myself, even now.)

What hidden talents do you have?

I am an accomplished photographer and spend my free time photographing or videoing events, people, landscapes, wherever and whenever I can. I have, to my delight, frequently been asked to video at local football matches, which I thoroughly enjoy.

In earlier years, when the hair was longer, I worked as a chef and enjoyed cooking in various restaurants and hotels in and around my local area. To this day, I still enjoy cooking and can rustle up a gourmet meal for family and friends, which they ostensibly enjoy!

I am extremely interested in the latest technology and keenly research (google) anything I can from the latest mirrorless cameras to gadgets.  I consider myself to be a bit of a buff in this regard. Haha!

Finally, I did pick up the guitar once and mastered E-B-G-D-A-E (Easter, Bunny’s Go Daft At Easter), but that was the extent of my music career. The guitarists out there will understand that.

Kongskilde Industries UK Limited
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