PCL Sets Sights On Future Innovations With Category Manager Appointment

24th April 2019

Pneumatic Components (PCL), the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of pneumatic and tyre inflation systems, has appointed Simon Alexander to the newly created role of category manager.

Formerly category manager at BPT, part of Travis Perkins Group, for 22 years, Simon has also previously been a buyer for Wickes Building Supplies where he was responsible for all building materials and flooring, as well as a Wickes store manager where he covered its store footprint from Yorkshire to London. Simon's focus at PCL is reviewing the factored products category range, including hose reels, compressors and air tools, and identifying and introducing new products, taking them all the way through from initial concept to manufacture and distribution. With full commercial responsibility for factored products, Simon's role will entail research, developing new product concepts, getting customer feedback during the concept phase, finessing the concept, producing prototypes and then investing in the required tooling and working with suppliers to manufacture the highest quality product possible. To support new product development, PCL has also invested in a 3D printer to enable it to prototype products and respond to customer demands faster. Simon Shorter, sales director at PCL, said: -Simon has the natural ability and knowledge to interpret customer requirements and then devise a solution that answers their needs. His appointment is key to growing the distribution side of the business, and with a strong understanding of how tooling works, different materials and manufacturing processes, we look forward to seeing the innovative product creations he will introduce to the range. Simon Alexander said: -PCL is the market leader because of the quality and innovation inherent in all its products and it is a business that is rightfully proud of its past and excited about its future. I am delighted to be part of such a warm and welcoming team, and I look forward to completing my review of the range and getting underway with new product prototyping and development, as well as putting a 'PCL spin' on the new factored products we introduce. Founded in 1938, and celebrating its 80th anniversary until June 2019, PCL maintains a firm commitment to its roots and still manufactures from its 12,000m² production facility in Sheffield the home of engineering excellence. The business is proud to display the city's prestigious mark of quality and excellence on its 'Made in Sheffield' products. Visit https://www.pclairtechnology.com/ for further information.