Celebrations all round for REHAU team combined 100-year anniversary

Celebrations have been in full flow at REHAU, as five members of the Building Solutions team have marked their combined 100-year anniversary.

Two decades ago Jo Trotman, Laurence Chownsmith, Franz Huelle, Graham Richardson and Colin Pearson all joined REHAU – 2018 marks each of their twentieth work anniversaries.

During this time, as well as the major rise of the internet, the firm has also undergone many developments, along with the construction industry in general.

To mark their respective 20-year milestones, some of the team have taken a trip down memory lane and shared their thoughts on changes since they first joined the REHAU team.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager for Building Solutions, started life at REHAU as a commercial trainee in business administration.

“When I joined the team at REHAU in Ross-on-Wye I was on a three-year programme to experience all areas of the business, but after 15 months I started a full-time position looking after marketing collateral and supported the promotion department,” she said.

“Professionally, I’ve enjoyed success in the internal REHAU awards, winning the Brand Award for the RAUVITHERM campaign – which went on to be rolled out internationally. And we all love the Marketing Communication Conference where we meet up with our colleagues from all over the world.

“Personally since starting at REHAU, I’ve celebrated major birthdays, my wedding and purchased my own house. I’ve also met some great people throughout the years, and for me that’s the best part.”

Laurence Chownsmith, National Sales Manager based at Langley, Slough, is best known by his colleagues as a passionate runner, where he often raises money for good causes.

“To start with, I was involved in underfloor heating, heating and plumbing, medical, cable management, telecoms and railway with three people to manage. Now I am much more focused on the Building Solutions division with 16 plus personnel,” he said.

“Vivid memories of my time at REHAU include being in Germany on training during the World Cup. I was with a Scottish and Irish colleague and 50 Germans watching the England vs. Argentina match.

“I was the lone England supporter and I have never felt so out-numbered – but it was all good fun.

“I’ve also experienced some personal changes since starting at REHAU, I‘m now completely bald and the two small children I had when I started with the business have both graduated from university.”

Technical Manager for the Building Solutions division at REHAU, Franz Huelle, began as an applications engineer for bespoke customer products.

“Initially, my first few years were a real learning period about the polymer industry. I worked in the UK and it was very interesting coming from a background of aerospace. After two and a half years I moved to the building solutions division,” he said.

“In 2004 I transferred to work at REHAU in Australia. I was there for six years before returning to the UK. I got to be really hands on with customers and increased my understanding of how to install the products.

“For me there are many positives about the time I have been with REHAU, including the variety in location but also in product. It’s hard to find this type of role, but something I really enjoy.

“I also have enjoyed a great team spirit here at Ross particularly. In fact my most memorable moment at REHAU was my team stag party, which was very fun – I think that’s all I can say about that.”

Contact:

REHAU
Hill Court,
Walford,
Ross on Wye,
Herefordshire,
HR9 5QN

Email address: [email protected]
Tel: 01989 72600

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