Since as far back as he can remember, Greg Hiam has had a knack for fixing things. A quick and hands-on learner, before joining DEUTZ Australia as a storeman, he spent years working in warehouses and driving forklifts.
“I worked for Inghams for a while. I drove the forklift in the warehouse and loaded the trucks. I’ve also installed new refrigeration systems in refrigerated vehicles and learned those skills on the job,” says Greg.
“I’m very much a hands-on person and once someone shows me how to do something, I get the hang of it pretty quickly.”
Greg applied for his role at DEUTZ Australia because he wanted to work more family-friendly hours.
“My previous job involved long hours and there was no time for myself or my family – and that had to change,” he says.
“Working in the warehouse and the workshop at DEUTZ also means my work isn’t repetitive. No two days are the same. One minute I’ll be picking and packing orders, the next I’ll be driving the forklift, or picking parts for an engine and then helping to build up that engine. I like variety and I enjoy having opportunities to learn something new.”
When Greg joined DEUTZ Australia, he was more than willing to work beyond the warehouse and to spend time lending a hand in the engine workshop. This has enabled him to build on his existing mechanical know-how.
“I work under the guidance of our technical support team, James and David, and do basic work on the DEUTZ DRIVE engines. It’s been fascinating to learn more about how the engines are put together,” he says.
Recently, Greg has also been learning a new computer system that keeps the warehouse running smoothly and efficiently.
“We use a SAP system to manage our stock and the locations of parts and I’ve learned more about how to operate that system most effectively. It makes it easier to know where every part in the warehouse is and to ensure new parts that come into the warehouse are received and put away correctly,” says Greg.
“You’re never too old to learn something new and the more knowledge you gain, the better you can do your job.”
Away from the warehouse and the workshop, Greg is a dedicated husband, a father of four and a proud grandfather of eight grandchildren. His other love is his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
“I’ve had my Harley Davidson for 23 years now and enjoy riding it at the weekend when the weather is good,” says Greg.
“My other favourite way of spending my time is camping with my wife. We like heading out Gippsland Way, enjoying the outdoors and sitting around a campfire together. Life doesn’t get much better than that.”