Australian high-speed automated welding technology developer K-TIG has announced its expansion into the UK and mainland Europe.
K-TIG has appointed corporate strategist Benjamin Hall as the executive to drive the acceleration of the company’s activities globally.
The UK subsidiary, Keyhole TIG (UK), follows the successful piloted rollout of K-TIG’s revised distribution model in the US over the past nine months.
Under Hall’s direction, Keyhole TIG will employ a direct sales force and provide support by establishing a technology demonstration centre. The UK based subsidiary will also expand integrator partners and establish the logistics for inventory warehousing in Europe.
K-TIG Managing Director Adrian Smith said the US experience has proven the importance of an in-region direct sales force, quick local availability of systems and spares and on the ground assistance for training and application development, as well as the advantages of strategic partnerships with industry leading automation integrators.
“The time has come to expand this model into our second most important market. As the UK comes out of COVID hibernation we are seeing a resumption of activity in the fabrication of nuclear waste containment vessels,” Smith said.
“We are delighted to have Ben step into the role of General Manager. Having him on our team is a real game changer, allowing us to best position K-TIG’s disruptive technologies in the marketplace to greatly accelerate our growth in this important region.
“An accomplished senior executive with multinational business experience, Ben has a deep understanding of the importance of UK and European government policies on industry transformation.”
Hall joins K-TIG from the London office of KPMG’s Global Strategy Group where, as Engagement Manager, he was responsible for the development of industrial strategy for the UK Government as well as advising businesses on their response to government policies and the necessary transformations to their business models.
Prior to his strategic consultancy roles, Hall was a political advisor and former Australian Army officer.
“I’m excited to be taking on a role with such an innovative business which will change the global landscape of industry fabrication. K-TIG’s cutting edge technology is ready to meet the emerging demand in the UK and EU markets,” Hall said. “My first priority is to reach a formal agreement in the nuclear waste storage market by building on the great work K-TIG has already been doing here in the UK.
"We will then look to expand our collaboration efforts in hydrogen storage and transport, as well as continuing our R&D to stay one step ahead of industry needs to provide industry leading solutions.
“Our long-term goal is to establish deep collaborative partnerships in the UK and Europe to embed our technology solutions into next generation manufacturing supply chains."