After over 40 years, Graeme Malen will say goodbye to Air Plants Dust Extraction and embark upon a new chapter in his life.
Despite the developments in the company since it was founded over a century ago, Air Plants remains a family run business and is proud that the company consists of third, fourth and fifth generation family members as well as long serving and dedicated employees like Graeme.
From music scene to drawing office and beyond
After leaving school in 1970, Graeme took his first job at the East Midlands Gas Board as a trainee draughtsman.
He left his position here to pursue a career as a rock drummer with Baby and played many gigs up and down the country including the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool and the Marquee in London.
Unfortunately the band folded and like many others did not achieve the success they had hoped for.
In 1976 Graeme had decided to re-join the real world and answered an advert for a Drawing Office vacancy at Air Plants. Perhaps fortunately for Graeme, he was interviewed by the MD at the time, David Asher. David was himself a keyboard player of the old school and was keen to encourage the proliferation of ex-rock musicians
With Air Plants since 1976
Just before his 23rd birthday in May 1976 Graeme began a career with Air Plants that would span over four decades.
He began producing technical drawings for David Asher, but soon progressed to designing purpose-made connection sets for moulders. Over the years Graeme worked closely with Leicester-based woodworking machine manufacturer Wadkin.
Graeme also specialised in the design of Air Plants innovations including the then new range of modular dust filters, storage silos and bespoke sound enclosures; a number of which were supplied to a Belgian customer.
Carrying out on site contracting work took Graeme across the country and resulted in him taking on sole responsibility for clients. He also took over Air Plants commitments in Ireland working closely with Dublin agents High Tech Machinery; an association that still exists today.
During the reign of the Celtic Tiger, Air Plants secured well in excess of half a million turnover in Irish business.
Graeme has made many good friends in the industry over the years. We’re sure Graeme’s customers, colleagues and friends will join the Air Plants team in extending their very best wishes to Graeme for his retirement.
Graeme will marry his partner Jen at the end of May and is looking forward to retirement with his new wife which will include travelling to new and interesting places and generally enjoying life!
