The UK fastener market has already made it clear it will be sorry to see Fastbolt UK managing director for the last twenty years, Graham Joyce, step down at the end of 2018. Conscious of the importance of continuity for suppliers, customers and employees, Fastbolt has now announced the appointment of Amanda True as his replacement.
Graham Joyce joined Fastbolt in April 1989, recruited by founder and then owner, Heinz Storch, for his expertise and background in automotive purchasing. As purchasing director, Graham rapidly extended and professionalised Fastbolt’s global sourcing reach, providing the supply-side strength and relationships on which the company expanded in the UK. Subsequently, he was also pivotal in underpinning the establishment of Fastbolt’s German business and its development into the wider European market. In December 1998 Graham was appointed UK managing director, demonstrating his skill in generating equally strong customer relationships throughout the UK and Ireland.
Commenting on his decision Graham said: “After nearly 30 years it’s time to put the DIN specs and catalogue on the shelf. It’s been a great journey and I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with a great team of very committed people. I am sure I will miss the banter of colleagues, business partners and the like – I have made so many friends over the years all around the world. I am delighted that Amanda is taking over, there is no doubt that she will do a great job of leading the company.”
Amanda True joined Fastbolt in August 1997, with a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics and Management Studies, and was appointed IT director in July 2011. She led the challenging translation to SAP systems technology that now provides the operating platform for Fastbolt’s entire global operation and has continued to support the company’s advancement in commercial technology.
“Having spent so many years in the industry and holding the respect of so many, Graham will be a hard act to follow,” she said. “I am, however, delighted to be the new managing director of Fastbolt UK. With the support of a great team of staff and the systems we have in place, and continue to develop, I know we have a promising future ahead of us.”
Fastbolt Group managing director, Ekkehard Beermann, reflected on the transition for the UK business. “Graham’s contribution to Fastbolt UK over thirty years is impossible to summarise except to say this company would, without doubt, not be where it is today without his expertise, commitment and dedication.”
“However, I am fully convinced that Amanda will prove an excellent choice for the company. Our wholesaler’s life is now very much dominated by the need for efficiency in handling, processing, and data and information management. While we are not seeking to be the biggest in the world we believe there is a lot of potential for doing things smarter than others.”
“Amanda’s more than twenty years’ understanding of Fastbolt, her analytical ability, as well as her very strong IT background, will serve as a crucial foundation for her future success. Her genuine and friendly personality will also make it naturally easy to expand her network in the industry. She is highly respected throughout Fastbolt and I am totally convinced she will get 150% support as UK managing director.”
Having held senior management roles in leading automotive and fastener businesses, Phil joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine as editor in 2002. Convinced there is no substitute for ‘being there’, over 17 years of visits and interviews around the world means he has accumulated an extraordinary knowledge and perspective of the global fastener industry, reflected in his incisive and thought provoking reporting.
Don't have an account? Sign Up
Signing up to Fastener + Fixing Magazine enables you to manage your account details.
