28/08/2020
This time on Employee Spotlight, we have Brian Donelon. He is one of the engineers who continue to work hard on the frontline to ensure our customers are fully supported during these challenging times.
1. What is your current role at Heidelberg?
I am a Post Press Engineer.
2. Has Heidelberg helped you in your career development? If yes, how?
Immensely! I started at Heidelberg with no experience in the Print industry, having previously trained as an Auto Electrician. I completed my Electrical Engineering only after joining Heidelberg and have tried to progress ever since.
3. What has been your favourite project at Heidelberg?
I enjoyed the Polar Auto Jog project. Although it was ultimately terminated, I enjoyed the challenge of learning the new technology. The challenges and opportunities to keep learning new technology are the main reasons why I continue to enjoy working for Heidelberg. I also enjoy the ongoing Stahl TH-P projects and the recent Masterworks projects have, once again, brought a new challenge!
4. Could you tell us how you have been supporting our customers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?
Honestly, I’ve just tried to carry on as normally as possible and do what needs to be done. We completed a Polar PACE installation at Eclipse, which is always interesting! Although many companies have been closed, there have still been a lot who did require support. The quiet roads have also been fantastic to travel. It has been like working on a Sunday every day. Unfortunately, single time pay only!
5. What advice would you give to recent/new hires?
Be patient! It takes time to familiarise yourself with the different products in finishing and to ultimately learn how you can support them. Although the dynamics have changed over the last few years, the support of fellow engineers is critical to the development of new starters.
6. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m born and bred in Manchester (Chorlton/Stretford) to Irish parents. I have two brothers and countless cousins, both here and in Ireland. Although I’ve spent time living in other countries (Holland and New Zealand), the friends and family I have in Manchester have always brought me back home. I’m a young (at heart) father of two children (Caragh & Cillian) and happily married to Nicola (also Irish!) for the last 8 years. Pre-COVID we enjoyed travelling and hope to get back to a semblance of normality soon. I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction as well as the numerous parenting books suggested by my wife! I enjoy running, especially in the summer, when I get onto the banks of the Mersey and enjoy the tranquility of being away from traffic. I’m a keen, albeit erratic, golfer and love meeting my mates in the pub to watch Manchester United. The last two are a bit more difficult to find time for now, but I keep trying!
7. What is your favourite thing to do in the wonderful city of Manchester?
We like to attend concerts and currently have three postponed until next year. The city centre is full of museums my wife loves bringing me to, usually with the promise/bribe of a drink afterwards! As a family, we also enjoy cycling around the canal networks and generally being outside, as often as the Manchester climate will allow!
28/08/2020
This time on Employee Spotlight, we have Brian Donelon. He is one of the engineers who continue to work hard on the frontline to ensure our customers are fully supported during these challenging times.
1. What is your current role at Heidelberg?
I am a Post Press Engineer.
2. Has Heidelberg helped you in your career development? If yes, how?
Immensely! I started at Heidelberg with no experience in the Print industry, having previously trained as an Auto Electrician. I completed my Electrical Engineering only after joining Heidelberg and have tried to progress ever since.
3. What has been your favourite project at Heidelberg?
I enjoyed the Polar Auto Jog project. Although it was ultimately terminated, I enjoyed the challenge of learning the new technology. The challenges and opportunities to keep learning new technology are the main reasons why I continue to enjoy working for Heidelberg. I also enjoy the ongoing Stahl TH-P projects and the recent Masterworks projects have, once again, brought a new challenge!
4. Could you tell us how you have been supporting our customers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic?
Honestly, I’ve just tried to carry on as normally as possible and do what needs to be done. We completed a Polar PACE installation at Eclipse, which is always interesting! Although many companies have been closed, there have still been a lot who did require support. The quiet roads have also been fantastic to travel. It has been like working on a Sunday every day. Unfortunately, single time pay only!
5. What advice would you give to recent/new hires?
Be patient! It takes time to familiarise yourself with the different products in finishing and to ultimately learn how you can support them. Although the dynamics have changed over the last few years, the support of fellow engineers is critical to the development of new starters.
6. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m born and bred in Manchester (Chorlton/Stretford) to Irish parents. I have two brothers and countless cousins, both here and in Ireland. Although I’ve spent time living in other countries (Holland and New Zealand), the friends and family I have in Manchester have always brought me back home. I’m a young (at heart) father of two children (Caragh & Cillian) and happily married to Nicola (also Irish!) for the last 8 years. Pre-COVID we enjoyed travelling and hope to get back to a semblance of normality soon. I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction as well as the numerous parenting books suggested by my wife! I enjoy running, especially in the summer, when I get onto the banks of the Mersey and enjoy the tranquility of being away from traffic. I’m a keen, albeit erratic, golfer and love meeting my mates in the pub to watch Manchester United. The last two are a bit more difficult to find time for now, but I keep trying!
7. What is your favourite thing to do in the wonderful city of Manchester?
We like to attend concerts and currently have three postponed until next year. The city centre is full of museums my wife loves bringing me to, usually with the promise/bribe of a drink afterwards! As a family, we also enjoy cycling around the canal networks and generally being outside, as often as the Manchester climate will allow!
