Founded in 1976, the Grantham-headquartered firm currently employs 100 people in the UK and the United States, working with industry giants like Siemens and Vestas. Joining the team as head of product development, Ben will lead the advancement of the business’ Fibre Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) product range while also overseeing the firm’s ambitious product roadmap.
Ben first joined the business in 2018 as a research and development engineer, specialising in FORJ; a device that allows for the high-speed data transfer of optical signals in a variety of applications, from wind turbines and cable reels to manufacturing equipment and drones.
Returning to the firm and bringing experience in automotive, yellow goods and agri-tech as well as academic and commercial research, Ben aims to help address the possible future market challenges faced by BGB’s customers. He also seeks to extend BGB’s technological capabilities to deliver robust industrial solutions across a range of sectors from energy and construction to utilities and transport.
Commenting on his return to the business, Ben said: “I’m really pleased to be back at BGB, heading up product development is central to the next stage of the business’ evolution. BGB’s engineering credentials are enviable.
“In a small team we have over 60 years’ experience in product development, multiple degrees up to PhD level and experience across multiple sectors from academia and research right through to manufacturing. To be rejoining this team is a hugely exciting prospect, and I’ve already got plans to extend our FORJ product range and capabilities in order to serve our customers’ needs to send and receive increasing amounts of lossless, secure data and improve operational efficiency.
“I’m also grateful to the team for their continued support, even during my time away from the firm. The family culture here at BGB is what makes us stand out and, alongside the opportunities on offer, really encouraged me to return. This ethos has helped us build a number of long-lasting relationships, not only within our own team, but also with collaborators and customers - many of whom have been with us for decades. I’m thrilled to be re-joining such a welcoming team that prides itself on continual innovation and quality customer service.”
David Holt, chief executive officer at BGB, said: “We’re pleased to have Ben back at BGB, where he’ll play a critical role in advancing our product roadmap. We’ve kept in touch over the years, as we do with many of our former team mates, and were pleased to be able to tempt back such a talented figure to lead this next step in the business’ trajectory.
“Ben’s skill and experience is hugely valuable, and his hands-on customer approach aligns perfectly with how we like to deliver our services. His decision to return to BGB, after a brief hiatus, demonstrates the importance of investing in your team and keeping in touch with gifted former employees; a career pathway that’s a testament to the strong culture here at BGB.”
