Penn Elcom’s Design Engineer Adam Shacklady has been making regular visits to the UK recently for training, experience and to assist with the Salvagnini’s, after being unable to for the past 2 years due to travel restrictions. With these machines taking on an increased workload, he is keen to learn and advance his knowledge to support the production line.
Adam first started at Penn Elcom as a design student in 2015, focusing on product development and slowly shifting his focus to assist on the production floor. Adam said, “I have a deep passion for design and problem-solving but subsequently gained an interest in production and the manufacturing process for both raw materials and the assembly line”.
After completing his University degree, Adam re-joined the Hastings, UK team in 2016 with the hope of someday being transferred to the California, USA branch. This has been a lifelong goal for Adam, and after a couple of years, this dream became a reality! Adam transferred to the United States in 2018 to support and provide bespoke items to the US market, as well as to share his technical knowledge directly with the US sales team. He is enjoying his time at Penn Elcom and embracing the American lifestyle. Moving to a new country can have its difficulties, but Adam has finally found his place and settled into his community in Southern California. Adam recently celebrated his fourtg anniversary in America and has found his place both inside and outside of the workplace, enjoying his time and eager to stay in the sunny state.
The great weather and nearby beaches mean Adam has really got into beach volleyball and plays regularly in tournaments and socially with friends. “It’s a great workout, competitive and all-round good fun in the sun”. Adam also took up jujitsu once he moved to the USA, “it was a challenging experience, but unfortunately I had to quit once the pandemic started. However, I am keen to start again as soon as possible once my schedule allows for it”.
“All that being said, my favourite pastime is spent with my 2-year-old puppy Rosie who landed on me the same week I left the office due to the pandemic - she was a blessing and I believe a massive factor in my mental health during those isolated times. We love to hike and skateboard along the beach regularly.”
The British traditions and culture are deeply ingrained in his heart and he embraces the opportunity to come back and visit when possible. “When I do come back to the UK, it’s always great to see familiar faces, meet new people and find out everything happening on the production floor. These trips allow me to maximise my potential in the company, and increase my knowledge and awareness of how Penn Elcom operates on a wider scale.”
Penn Elcom has been investing in new Salvagnini panel benders, which Adam spent a week in Ohio completing a programming course for these automated machines. After learning the ‘basic’ (to some!) coding side, he spent a week at Penn Elcom Hastings, UK getting hands-on experience and learning more about the physical capabilities and restrictions of the machines. This will lean into the design work Adam does for Penn Elcom and help to both convert and program more products to this automated production process. With the focus and progression of the Salvagnini increasing, Adam is set to start supporting the Salvagnini team remotely from the US, while still making frequent visits to get his hands-on experience and continue learning.
While on a visit to Hastings, UK in December 2021, Adam explored existing products to see how Penn Elcom could decrease the volume in transportation. “Currently all 19” racking and PBX parcel boxes are assembled in Hastings, UK but the idea to flat pack and assemble on-site is very desirable for the company. A great way to potentially modify our product range to be suitable for our customers to assemble themselves would lower both transportation and production costs, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective range for both business and consumer”.
Adam describes his role and current projects at Penn Elcom as “winning the lotto” and is keen to keep the journey going - Both the US and UK crossover makes for his ideal lifestyle, which keeps his work exciting and always evolving. He is eager to return soon to see what’s next!
