Balcas has announced the appointment of Simon Allen as new CAE Mill Manager, in a role that will see Mr. Allen seek to further improve productivity, quality and cost of production while employing innovative technology and leading his team.

Mr. Allen will also oversee a large £3.5million upgrade within the CAE mill that aims to further increase throughput and product quality, in addition to striving to continually improve safety within the working environment.

Of the role that Mr. Allen took up on April 1, he said it “will be challenging; however, my past experiences within the CAE Mill will help me in this managerial position”.

The appointment marks the latest move at Balcas for Mr. Allen, who joined the company in 2008 as a Graduate Engineer. Mr. Allen has been a senior member of the CAE Technical Team for the past 12 years.

He successfully completed his Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), and is now a Chartered Engineer.

Continuing his studies alongside his career trajectory has seen him successfully complete his Six Sigma Green Belt & Black Belt qualification, the NEBOSH Health and Safety Certificate, the Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Programme through QUB, as well as a ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management.

He has many pastimes outside of work, including driving race karts, running and golf.