retiring and we asked him what he thought about selling us the business.
Working at sea, Harry had a number of duties. “It was a mix of specialist stuff – cleaning down in the engine room, greasing the compressors, hydraulics, steering, diesel engines, boilers, a bit of everything.” After leaving the Navy, Harry worked for a fibreglass company, initially making parts with a bucket and brush and later injection moulding. During his time at the firm he progressed from the shop floor to being production manager.
“He was happy to do this and five years down the line, we’re still here.”
Harry has had an interesting career, mostly in engineering related industries. He joined the Royal Navy, straight out of school in the 1980s. He served as a mechanic on HMS Ark Royal and HMS Liverpool for seven years, a highlight of which was heading the flotilla for the 1988 Australian bicentennial in Sydney Harbour.
units, with five remaining to be delivered in late January.
Owner of Pirtek Cleveland, Harry Wood, says a local competitor had been aggressively bidding for the same contract but his franchise was able to beat them by virtue of having an excellent relationship with Ainscough Cranes, based on their proven workmanship and service. “We keep good relationships with the customer,” Harry says. “When they call, we’re straight round there doing the business.” “We got the job because we’re lovely people,” says Harry. That would obviously not have been enough on its own, however. Pirtek Cleveland’s relationship with Ainscough Cranes looks set to continue, thanks to the foundation of solid workmanship and excellent customer relations. Family concern The Wood family have been franchisees at Pirtek Cleveland for five years. Harry and sons Jamie and Rikki worked at the centre for a number of years before Harry and his wife Linda bought the license in 2013. “I was an MSST for the previous owner for nine years,” says Harry. “He was
‘When they call, we’re straight round doing the business’
UK 0800 38 24 38 ROI 1800 74 78 35 www.pirtek.eu
23
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker