When David Howes first stepped through the doors of DEUTZ in the UK on 1st April 1980, he was a young man half-way through an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering.
The previous company he’d worked for was forced to close after losing a significant amount of business in the Middle East during the Iranian revolution of 1979. So, David had found himself completing his apprenticeship at DEUTZ UK’s Wimbledon branch.
On his first day, he had no idea that he would spend the rest of his working life with the business and that it would take David from the UK to the other side of the world.
“I began as an apprentice, building engines and when I finished my apprenticeship I started in the workshop and gradually moved more towards offering technical support,” says David.
In 2006, DEUTZ head office in Germany announced there was a technical support role available in Australia and David successfully applied for the position and swapped the UK for Dandenong.
“It seemed like a good opportunity and I felt I had nothing to lose. The role was similar to what I was already doing in the UK and I decided to take a chance and make the move to Australia,” recalls David.
“I found life more relaxed here and the workplace was less formal. The work-life balance was also a lot better. I’ve never regretted making the choice I did.”
In his role, David provides technical support to dealers, customers and his colleagues and manages warranty claims. Every day is different and as DEUTZ technology has innovated and evolved, so has David’s expansive knowledge of DEUTZ products.
“One of the enjoyable challenges of the job has been keeping up to date with changing technology. I also enjoy the problem-solving part of my job. You can disappear down a rabbit hole with a problem and have to dig through documentation, talk to colleagues and perhaps email or call colleagues over in Germany to find a solution. That has always kept the job interesting,” he says.
“I’ve built up my knowledge of old and new products and I still use that bank of knowledge. Sometimes we get calls about engines I first built as an apprentice 40-plus years ago and I know how to support customers with those inquiries. That’s been useful.”
The business has continued to innovate since David first joined in 1980 – he cites the expansion in the energy sector and the arrival of the Gensets as a major step forward. Changing rules around emission levels have also brought changes in DEUTZ technology.
“There is always something new happening and that innovation is important,” says David.
“Seeing DEUTZ evolve has been a highlight of my career. Supporting the Australian market and working with customers and colleagues have also been a highlight. DEUTZ continues to thrive and I am proud to have been part of that.”
But from the end of June, future innovations will be brought to life without David’s input as he’s decided it’s finally time to say goodbye to the business.
“I’m like a stick of rock – if you sliced me through the middle you’d probably find ‘DEUTZ’ written there!” laughs David.
“But it’s now time where I’d like to do some other things. I’d like to see more of this country and I’ve got a three-wheeled motorcycle, a Can-AM Spyder, and I want to travel a few thousand kilometres on that. I don’t have a route planned out, I just want to see where my journey takes me,” he says.
“Stepping away from DEUTZ will be a big change. Don’t be surprised if I probably pull up in the carpark in the morning out of force of habit. Someone will probably have to tell me to go home!”