Claudia Weeks, Community Content Lead, spoke with Emma Allinson, Marketing Coordinator, and some of the team, to find out more about the business.
The development of the business
Emma explained the beginnings of the business: “MechTronic was established in 2004 and, in those early days, we initially just supplied the manifold – rather than any metering system.
“In 2006, we began to supply the MaxFlow system which revolutionised the fuel metering market. Built from our customers’ feedback, MaxFlow optimised space on the modern chassis. All the controls were in a single, weatherproof cabinet and Smart Product Grade Indicators helped to prevent fuel contamination.
“Then, in 2016, OptiMate was launched as a result of further customer feedback around the desire to physically prevent fuel contamination. Enthusiastically received by the industry, OptiMate has driven our business forward, with nearly 750 OptiMate metering systems on the road (as of February 2024).
“Even now, we continue to develop the product and introducing new capabilities such as dual metering. As the industry diversifies, we need to offer flexible solutions to continue to meet our customers’ needs.
“Our road map (pictured below) highlights our key milestones and achievements. We are very proud of the journey we’ve been on.
“Our philosophy has always been to listen to our customers and strive to meet their expectations. Using advances in technology is one way that we can ensure we deliver for them at the same time as driving the business forward.”
The importance of team
MechTronic started with just two members of staff, back in 2004, and now employs a staff of twenty-six. The business is still family-owned and run, as Emma explains: “We have Martyn Wilkie (CEO), Brad Wilkie (Managing Director), Simon Haigh (Operations Director) and Vicky Wild (Finance Manager and Company Secretary) who all head up our management team.
“As part of our management structure, team representatives from across all the departments also form part of the management team. Lee Firbank is our Project and Operations Manager, Ryan Parr is our Engineering and Development Manager, Ben Wilkie is our Production Manager and Chris Wilkie is our Procurement and Logistics Manager.
“By having a diverse management structure, we can make quick decisions and share best practices, ultimately uniting the team. We are lucky to have a fantastic team at MechTronic.”
The best results are achieved through teamwork and open communication
Claudia asked Emma and the team at MechTronic what values they hold as a business: “We encourage employees to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and challenge the status quo. MechTronic employees are given the platform to bring their creative visions to life, resulting in groundbreaking solutions for our customers.
“We believe that the best results are achieved through teamwork and open communication – everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Whether it’s in-person meetings or virtual collaborations, we ensure that information flows freely, promoting a culture of transparency, trust, and inclusivity.
“As a family-run business, we realise that happy employees are productive employees. We take pride in our wellness programs, which include flexible work hours and support a healthy work-life balance.
“At MechTronic, our company culture is, undoubtedly, a driving force behind our achievements and industry recognition. By empowering employees, fostering innovation, and prioritising employee wellbeing, we can continue to deliver for our customers and our business.”
The home of MechTronic
MechTronic is based in Wortley, Leeds but has service engineers across the UK. Emma explained how the business operates from different locations: “Originally, we were based at Kirkstall Forge in Leeds, where we stayed for a couple of years before moving to Wortley, also in Leeds. Wortley has been our home since then. As we grew, our internal structure also evolved. We were able to develop our warehouse and production space to meet our requirements over the years.
“We are in the process of renovating our office space. As a result of these renovations, we have been able to bring our office colleagues closer together, so we are now located in one area. Additionally, we now have breakout spaces and a large area that we can use for meetings, training sessions, and other purposes.
“Our service engineers are based across the UK, but we have regular service meetings where the team gets together, and we now have a nice welcoming space for everyone. We also welcome flexible and hybrid working; some colleagues can work from home, but they still come into the office regularly. Due to this flexible approach, and as we grow, we have no immediate plans to move.”
Why does a customer choose MechTronic?
Emma considered this question: “Our philosophy has always been to listen to our customers and strive to meet their expectations. Our culture, core values, and being a close-knit family-run business, allows us to react quickly and make decisions that benefit our customers.
“Additionally, we are proud of being approachable and friendly as a team. Over the past two decades, we have never stood still and have always tailored our products to fit our customers’ demands and requirements.”
Meet the Team!
Claudia asked to meet some of the MechTronic team to find out more about the people behind the business and what makes them tick!
Ben Wilkie – Production Manager
• How long have you worked for the business?
16 years
• What do you enjoy the most about it?
I enjoy working with a company that really values our customers and keeps pushing the industry with our innovation.
• Tell us about your most memorable day at work.
When I became Production Manager.
• Please tell us an interesting fact about you or your favourite hobby?
I regularly ride my bike through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and my biggest achievement is completing a sportive event called “The Struggle Moors” where I cycled 112 miles with 11,800 feet of climbing.
Lee Firbank – Project and Operations Manager
• How long have you worked at MechTronic?
One year
• What do you enjoy most about it?
Working in an enjoyable atmosphere where every day is a different challenge.
• Tell us about your most memorable day at work.
That would have to be October 11th, 2023 – completing all our customer contract calibrations where seven months of hard work from the service department finally concluded.
• Please tell us an interesting fact about you or your favourite hobby?
A golfer since I was 10 years old, peaking at a 4 handicap!
Simon Haigh – Operations Director
• How long have you worked at MechTronic?
Just short of 19 years
• What do you enjoy the most about it?
I enjoy working with a small team that can react to customer requests quickly.
• Tell us about your most memorable day at work.
Being offered the Operations Director position.
• Please tell us an interesting fact about you or your favourite hobby?
I like all things equestrian, from riding to spectating at eventing.
Emma Allinson – Marketing Coordinator
• How long have you worked at MechTronic?
8 years
• What do you enjoy the most?
It sounds like a cliché, but every day is different, and I get to work with a great bunch of people.
• Tell us about your most memorable day at work.
I love the hustle and bustle of preparing for our Expo! It’s such an exciting time with so much to do. Seeing everything come together is always such a proud moment for me.
• Please tell us an interesting fact about you or your favourite hobby?
25 years ago, I went backpacking and ended up living and working in Australia for three years. I’m now in York with my husband and two boys and wouldn’t change it for the world – although it would be nice to go back and visit when the boys are older!
Brad Wilkie – Managing Director
• How long have you worked at MechTronic?
16 years
• What do you enjoy the most about it?
I truly believe that everyone in our team brings something unique to the business. I am immensely proud of our customer-focused approach and differentiated products.
• Tell us about your most memorable day at work.
The day my Dad handed over the reins of the family business to me. Since then, I have strived to uphold the values and principles that have been the foundation of our family business, while also innovating and adapting to the changing business landscape.
• Please tell us an interesting fact about you or your favourite hobby?
I am a cycling enthusiast and love exploring new routes, during the warmer months, to clear my mind and enjoy the scenery.
The 20th anniversary
Claudia wanted to know how the MechTronic team would be coming together to celebrate their 20th anniversary. “As we work across the UK, we regularly get the team together,” Emma explained. “This means that everyone is up to date on new developments, and we can share best practices.
“As part of these meetings, we will head out into Leeds for a meal, and all enjoy a game of interactive darts – it’s a great way for the team to socialise and build relationships as some of our engineers who are based in Scotland or further South wouldn’t normally see our Leeds-based team, and it’s always great to be able to put faces to names.
“For our 20th anniversary, we have updated our branding to signify this milestone. At MechTronic we firmly believe we are successful due to the team we have working here and, to celebrate, we have planned a weekend away for the whole team, and their partners, at York Races.”
Looking to the future
“We are excited and honoured to be celebrating 20 years in the industry. Our journey has been marked by continuous innovation, outstanding customer support, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“We owe our success to our dedicated team and the trust that our customers have placed in us. As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving industry advancements and delivering solutions that exceed expectations.”
A huge congratulations to the whole team at MechTronic on their anniversary. We can’t wait to hear what the next 20 years holds for the business!
