Philip Diggle
BOLTON,Greater Manchester
Summary
Foreman, Senior Machine Operator and Assembly Technician with more than 40 years of manufacturing and engineering experience, including 30+ years at APMG Ltd producing high-quality laboratory furniture and equipment and corrosive-resistant plastic extract systems. Widely regarded as the go-to person for machine set-up, fault finding, and engineering repairs across a broad range of woodworking and CNC machinery. Self-motivated and highly professional, with a strong reputation for quality, attention to detail, and a practical engineering mindset. Patient, approachable and knowledgeable trainer who enjoys developing others and improving production standards. Safety-first and highly experienced in maintaining safe systems of work in busy factory environments.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Laboratory Equipment Assembly Technician, Machine Operator, Foreman/Supervisor
APMG Ltd
Little Hulton, Greater Manchester
06.1994 - 12.2025
- APMG manufactured high-quality furniture and equipment for commercial laboratories, universities and schools, as well as corrosive-resistant plastic extract systems. Progressed from semi-skilled assembler to senior machine operator and foreman/team leader, recognised for outstanding work ethic due to versatility, reliability, dedication, positive attitude and contribution to product improvement and reduced manufacturing times.
- Lead day-to-day production activity, issuing work to colleagues and supporting smooth workflow across teams.
- Liaise with project managers on priorities, schedules and delivery dates to ensure timely completion.
- Carry out detailed quality control, error spotting pre-production, and sign-off of finished contracts.
- Set up, operate, and support Panhans Euro 5, Biessi and Schelling HP4 beam saws.
- Set up, operate and support edge banders including SCM Olimpik K800 and Holzher Triathlon.
- Set up operate and support CNC machines including Morbidelli Author (Xilog), SCM Accord (Xilog) and Weeke (Woodwop).
- Highly experienced in the machining of various materials including; high pressure laminates, velstone, mdf, polypropylene & pvc
- Provide engineering repairs and routine maintenance across the machine shop, regularly preventing downtime and expensive service engineer call outs.
- Work directly with external engineers by phone or online to resolve complex issues quickly and effectively.
- Assemble complex products including fume cupboards, robotic enclosures, Rosys units, CWTUs, labkit and curricula systems laboratory furniture, sub-assemblies as required, wiring looms and gas/water manifolds. Capable of testing and signing off the above in accordance with in house protocols.
- Train and mentor colleagues and new starters in machine operation, best practice and quality standards.
- Maintain a clean, organised work area and promote safe systems of work at all times.
Previous roles (engineering, installation and fabrication)
03.1985 - 06.1994
- Earlier career developed a strong hands-on engineering base, safe site practice, and practical leadership skills that now underpin senior machine operation and maintenance.
- Roles included: Industrial door installation and servicing - precision fitting, mechanical fault finding, safe on-site working; Plastic and HVAC ductwork installation - PVC and polypropylene systems, Rosys units, commissioning support; sheet metal fabrication support - guillotines, press brakes, rollers and drilling; assembly of hydraulic components; Site installation lead and supervisor - managed UK-wide ductwork projects, coordinated trades and suppliers, resolved site issues quickly.
Education
Centra Certificate - Welding and Fabrication Levels 1, 2 and 3
The Welding Institute / Horwich Technical College
Bolton 07.1993 - 09.1997
GCSEs - Maths and English
Smithills Grammar / Smithills School
Bolton 09.1979 - 05.1984
Skills
- Foreman and senior machine operator
- Supervision of furniture, fume cupboard and machine shop production
- Familiar with lean manufacturing and 5S principles
- Advanced troubleshooting and engineering repair of factory machinery
- Preventive and routine maintenance planning and delivery
- Beam saw, Edge Banding and CNC machine set up, calibration and operation
- Experienced in tool set up, program editing and modifying feeds & speed rates to improve production times and material finish
- Interpreting manufacturing/technical drawings and specifications
- Precision measuring and tolerance work to /- 005 mm
- Practical use of machining, hand tools, and measuring instruments
- Quality control, error spotting pre-production, and contract sign-off
- Highly self-motivated and disciplined, able to work independently and consistently meet deadlines without supervision
- Patient, effective trainer and mentor for colleagues and trainees
- Strong health and safety knowledge; risk-aware working practices
GENERAL
- Always willing to learn new approaches and innovative ideas. I am particularly keen to work in an environment that will challenge me and increase my technical knowledge in all industries.
- Seeking a role that utilises my skills and experience and gives me an opportunity to develop further. Also open to new industries which I can adapt to having little/no previous experience in.
- Strong decision making, time management and task prioritisation skills developed in a dynamic role where accuracy is key.
- Friendly, team-oriented, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to relate effectively and build relationships with people at all levels.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Full UK driving licence: cars and motorcycles.
- Eligible to work in the UK.
- References available on request.
Timeline
Laboratory Equipment Assembly Technician, Machine Operator, Foreman/Supervisor
APMG Ltd
06.1994 - 12.2025
Centra Certificate - Welding and Fabrication Levels 1, 2 and 3
The Welding Institute / Horwich Technical College
07.1993 - 09.1997
Previous roles (engineering, installation and fabrication)
03.1985 - 06.1994
GCSEs - Maths and English
Smithills Grammar / Smithills School
09.1979 - 05.1984