Catapult Print hires its first technical operations engineer

Catapult Print has appointed Darren Wardman as the company’s first technical operations engineer.

Wardman brings more than 20 years’ experience at Ravenwood to his new role. His remit includes providing a US-based field engineering service for Catapult customers. His responsibilities also include servicing and maintenance of all Catapult’s machinery and equipment to minimize the risk of unplanned downtime and optimize efficiency. He will also oversee installation and commissioning of any new machinery at Catapult’s Florida plant.

Wardman has worked with Catapult ever since the company began trading as a start-up seven years ago. Since then, Catapult has grown. The company has eight Nilpeter FA-Line presses, including the first Nilpeter 26in web width FA-Line press.

Wardman’s expertise and hands-on experience of Ravenwood equipment adds to the knowledge and experience already on the Catapult team. Co-founder and chairman of the company, Mark Cook, first began selling linerless labels in the US 30 years ago, when it was a new concept for the American packaging industry, and technical sales manager Rob Lewis was one of the original Ravenwood team with Wardman, when the company was first established two decades ago.

Cook said: 'We have a team of specialists here at Catapult, along with efficient, modern equipment and state-of-the-art automation and data-driven processes, but Darren has unmatched linerless printing equipment knowledge and will be a huge asset to both our team and our customers.

'His remit includes providing a unique troubleshooting service as a field engineer for Catapult’s customers, and he will be available for site visits to provide support with Nobac applicators, added value that will be offered free of charge to regular customers. His appointment is all part of our goal to drive quality, efficiency and reliability, and to be a true partner for our customers, by finding new ways to deliver added value and help them stay ahead in a competitive marketplace.'

Wardman’s appointment is the latest move in Catapult’s approach to adding value-driven services to its print business model. The company already offers short lead times, thanks to automation and real-time data, and has recently added the Crystal+ app to its customer dashboard, enabling customers to access real-time data and order stock from their cell phone or handheld device.

Wardman added: 'It’s exciting to join a company that is constantly considering new ways to make life easier for the customer and leverage both knowledge and technology to add value. I have visited Ravenwood customers across the USA, Canada and South America throughout my career to provide maintenance and repairs for their equipment, and I am looking forward to providing the same service for Catapult’s customers, while also building my familiarity of other machines to help both Catapult and our customers optimize efficiency and remain agile.'