Meet the Team

We are proud of our team, the dedication and skills shine through to everything we do.

Managing Director – Karen Friendship

“Having a Civil Engineering Degree from Bristol I was poached from my previous role in 1998 to become a Project Manager for the retail accounts which Aldermans serviced, namely Dorothy Perkins, Burton Menswear and Evans. I quickly got familiar with the workings of the business and set about improving the HR and H&S procedures and the then 70 strong workforce.

“Appointed as MD in 2005, I further set about analysing our markets and preparing us for the turbulent economic conditions ahead.

“Passionate about nurturing manufacturing and ‘buying local’ I chair the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group and invest in promoting the STEM subjects in schools.”

Please connect with Karen Friendship on LinkedIn.

Operations Director – Shane Heaney

“Before joining Aldermans in 2007, I trained as a combat engineer with the army as part of the Royal Logistics, and then as a mechanical engineer. I initially joined Aldermans as a machine setter, working on the shopfloor, before being promoted to Supervisor; then Production Manager; before broadening my role to include all our operations.

I now have a strategic input into the company’s goals and I’m pleased to work with a team of dedicated people and a business that actively invests in its people and equipment.”

Bill Alderman – Founder

1942-2023

Bill finished his toolmaking apprenticeship in 1965 with Tecalemit, and set to provide his own toolmaking services to the thriving manufacturers in Plymouth, with the support of his wife Lyn. With organic growth and hard work the business grew to a complete metalwork production facility, offering presswork, fabrication, welding, lasering and precision turned parts.

Bill presided over the company’s growth for 35 years, before handing the reins to his younger daughter Karen in 2005.

Remembering Bill

Autobiography

Financial Accountant – Andrew Northmore

“I have a strong background in financial management gained primarily within the manufacturing and engineering industries. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, I have over 35 years of experience in Financial Controller and Finance Director roles in blue chip UK and US owned companies as well as in SMEs. My experience includes Business Planning, Financial Controls, Performance Reporting and Continuous Improvement.”

Quality Supervisor – Tony McEwen

“I have been with Aldermans now for over 20 years and have worked up through the ranks to my position now held as Quality Assurance Supervisor. I am a time served toolmaker by trade and enjoy the ever changing face of engineering through my time with the company. Away from work I enjoy time with my family and playing golf.”

Read Tony's 'Day in the life'

Technical Engineer / Estimator – Paul Weeks

“I started with Aldermans in 1986 as a toolmaker and progressed to the drawing office in 1999, getting more involved with estimating and assisting clients with their designs. I eventually stopped drawing with lead, and turned to the dark side a few years later with the use of Autocad and then Solidworks. I continue to develop designs and products with new and existing customers and see the ever changing face of technology which impacts on everything we make.”

Read Paul's 'Day in the life'

Design Engineer – Ki Lockyear

“I started as a toolroom apprentice in 2016, rapidly moving to the design team due to my experience of using Solidworks. I help customers with quotes and designs, and also look after several our larger accounts; while also assisting with production planning, quality assurance and order processing.”

Design Engineer – Felix Bowker

“My apprenticeship at Aldermans began in 2018 and I am now in the final year. I have gained wide experience across the business and have studied welding & fabrication and mechanical manufacturing. As part of the design team, I provide quotes for customers, process orders, and design parts using Solidworks.”

Accounts Administrator – Ros Payne

“I have been working with Aldermans for over 18 years now as Accounts/Wages Administrator and am a fully qualified AAT accountant. My work includes Purchase and Sales Invoicing, payments and receipts, Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss accounting as well as monthly wages for our growing work force.”

Production Planner & Sales Administrator – Greg Underwood

“I have been with Aldermans since 2000, and after initially working on the shop floor I have progressed through several office-based positions including account management and procurement. I now manage our MRP ensuring all the data going in is as accurate as possible – no easy feat!”

Sales Executive – Damon Edhouse

“I joined the Aldermans team in 2019, bringing a 20-year background in the manufacturing and resale of metal storage, handling and workshop equipment. I enjoy talking to customers to understand how we can best meet their needs, and communicating with our production team to help it be achieved.”

Senior Buyer – Dee Brunt

“I joined Aldermans in 2017, having worked in the metal fabrication industry for several years where I gained wide experience of manufacturing operations, including quality management and logistics. I was initially recruited to work alongside Aldermans’ senior management to support strategic development projects, and was promoted to Senior Buyer in May 2018. Through close liaison with our suppliers I ensure we get the best service and material costs.

Join the team!

Our dedicated team is one of our greatest strengths, and many of our staff have been with us for 10 years or more. We also provide opportunities for staff to learn and develop new skills in a friendly, supportive environment. We are multi award winners for our commitment to apprenticeships, training and manufacturing excellence, including the prestigious Lloyds Bank National Business Award for Employer of the Year 2017 and Herald Manufacturer of the Year 2018.

For information about current opportunities, please visit our careers page.

See our employment opportunities

Apprenticeships

Take a look at our day in the life profiles of apprentices at Aldermans. Get in touch if you are interested in position with us. Here at Aldermans we are investing regularly in the latest technologies, we also invest in our staff through training in manufacturing management techniques, such as lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.

Chris Oaks 'Day in the life'

Dylan Chilcott's 'Day in the life'

Sean Henderson's 'Day in the life'

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