Exciting Times ahead for Starrett’s Food Division!
Luis Davila has joined Starrett as Business Development Manager for our Food Division projects – an exciting new focus for the company. In this article, we get to know Luis a little better with five ‘ice breaker’ questions; exploring his previous experience, future goals, and his love for medieval castles! Read on to find out more…
1. Your previous role and responsibility?
Luis: I have worked in the food manufacturing industry for nine years. Before joining Starrett I worked as UK Sales Manager for Frontmatec, a Danish manufacturer of advanced slaughter lines and systems for the meat industry. Prior to that, I worked as UK Sales Manager for Atlantic Service, a Wales-based manufacturer of bandsaw blades and cutting equipment for the meat and fish industry.
2. What attracted you to Starrett?
Luis: Its reputation as a leader in the manufacturing of industrial cutting tools and equipment, and its exciting plans to grow the meat and fishband saw blades business, where I am confident I can make very significant contributions.
“I believe that at Starrett we have the organisation and capabilities to provide value that can’t be matched by any competitor.”
3. What do you believe is the biggest opportunity for Starrett?
Luis: To position ourselves as the number one supplier of meat and fish cutting band saw blades in the UK and Europe by improving delivery times, quality, and customer service in the sector. I believe that at Starrett we have the organisation and capabilities to provide value that can’t be matched by any competitor. If customers become more efficient and profitable themselves as a result of our superior band saw blades and service, then we are guaranteed to be their partner for life and to enjoy a faster-growing market share than any competitor.
4. Tell us a bit about you & your family?
Luis: I was born in Monterrey, an industrial city in the northeast of Mexico, but I have worked and lived in Wales for 21 years. I have a degree in Public Relations and Organisational Communication, and I have worked in sales and business development roles for most of my career. Apart from working in the food manufacturing sector, my experience includes working in the freight transportation and aerospace industries. My favourite hobbies are visiting castles (see below) and watching sports, especially football, American football, and tennis. I also like playing guitar, listening to music, reading, and traveling. I am married, with two young adult children and we live in Blackwood, in the beautiful valleys of South Wales.
5. Tell us an interesting fact about you?
Luis: Since I was a child I’ve always loved reading about history, particularly British medieval history because of the famous kings, queens, and princes, and the legends of King Arthur, Ivanhoe, Robin Hood, etc. When I was about 12 my parents gave me a really cool toy castle with knights, horses, etc, for Christmas. I still have it. It’s one of my “treasures”. I never imagined that life would bring me to this country one day. I love visiting medieval places and buildings, especially castles. Big or small, I love all of them. Although my favourite is Caerphilly Castle. But no visit to a castle would be complete without a good pub meal and a couple of pints afterward. That’s the part my wife enjoys the most for sure!
