Pictured: Ant Jempson (L) and Richard Hide (R)
In October, Weinig UK welcomed two new Area Sales Managers to its team – Ant Jempson and Richard Hird. Ant will be focusing his attention on selling both solid wood and panel processing machinery across the Weinig and Holz-Her portfolio in the South West and Wales, whilst Richard will be managing Holz-Her’s extensive panel processing machinery range in the South East of England. Whilst their areas and product offerings will vary, they will both be responsible for strengthening sales and developing relationships with new and existing customers across their own regions.
So, who are the two newest members of Weinig UK?
Ant Jempson
Ant Jempson has over 16 years of experience in the woodworking industry and has a solid background in b2b sales – forging long-standing relationships with woodworking professionals from a multitude of backgrounds.
A qualified mechanic with an avid interest in woodworking, Ant’s technical mindset and problem-solving capabilities have seen him carve out a successful career selling traditional woodworking machinery, accessories and consumables in the South West of England. However, it’s Weinig UK’s excellent reputation and premium product offering that enticed him to his new role.
“There was always a cross-over with larger machinery manufacturers in my previous role, and in many instances, I would introduce my customers to machinery manufacturers if I thought they needed a higher level of automation or wanted higher production rates,” says Ant. “That’s where my interest and technical understanding of larger woodworking machinery stemmed from.
“Connecting the dots and working closely with customers to find solutions that will allow them to overcome industry challenges – not only in the day-to-day manufacturing of products but also by future-proofing their processes – is what gives me job satisfaction.
“I’m also really passionate about the area of the country I live in and enjoy finding ways to support and strengthen the community. That’s why I volunteer as a responder for the Devon and Cornwall 4x4 response team and was a special constable for a number of years before that. I believe it makes you a more rounded person and allows you to learn and relate to those around you. In sales, this couldn’t be more important, and I believe it will stand me in good stead in my new role.”
Richard Hide
Richard Hide began his career over 25 years ago as a woodworking machinery Service Technician before stepping into his first technical sales role five years ago. Richard has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how panel processing machinery works and, ultimately, what this means for the end user.
“As a child, I always wanted to understand how things worked,” says Richard. “That fascination with engineering has never left me, and that’s why I really enjoy machinery sales.
“Today, a sales role is about much more than selling – it’s about finding solutions. This is where my technical background plays a key role in allowing me to explore different options with my customers. From a technical standpoint, I’ve always been impressed with Holz-Her’s German engineering, and I’m excited to finally get an opportunity to sell it. I understand the workings of these machines and how they have been designed. Nobody wants to be blinded by technical jargon, but I believe that I can explain the benefits of these amazing machines on a human level and work with customers to tackle their manufacturing challenges head on. Getting an order over the line, knowing I’ve done the best job I could have done, is a great incentive for me and continues to drive me in my career. I’m really looking forward to working at Weinig UK.”
Malcolm Cuthbertson, Managing Director of Weinig UK, adds, “Both Ant and Richard bring a wealth of experience to the table and share a strong work ethic and the drive needed to grow their dedicated areas. Ant’s passion and enthusiasm towards the area of the country he lives in and the woodworking industry is clear, and his volunteering outside work shows true depth of character.
“Richard’s background in engineering and, more recently, in machinery sales, gives us great confidence that he will thrive in his new role and become an invaluable member of our team.
“We look forward to working with them both.”
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