Officially, his title is Technical Sales Engineer, covering Scotland and Ireland. In practice, his remit stretches far wider, taking in automation, co-pilot welding systems across the UK, and increasingly also WeldEye, Kemppi’s digital welding management platform.
I joke that my job title depends on what day of the week it is,” he says with a smile. “But that variety is what makes it interesting.
Steven joined Kemppi six and a half years ago, bringing a welder’s background with him and having worked all over the world. He knows what it means to pick up a torch, and that experience shapes how he deals with customers. “It’s not just talking the talk. I can walk the walk. Welders appreciate that I can physically demonstrate the kit rather than just tell them about it.”
His days are long. Early mornings, long drives, or flights to multiple sites are routine. Demonstrations of new machines are mixed with conversations about how WeldEye can integrate with a company’s operations – customers increasingly ask for traceability on projects. Large projects in energy and nuclear have already adopted it, and fabricators of all sizes are beginning to follow. "I’ve been pushing WeldEye for years. Now suddenly everyone wants it. Digital management all in one place just makes sense."
Looking ahead, Steven wants Kemppi HQ to stay closely tuned to local markets. “We know our customers and their challenges, and it’s important we keep head office in the loop and that dialogue open.”
“What I feed back is how the machines and software are actually being used, what’s working, and where improvements are needed.”
“Separately, there’s the issue of welders worrying that digital systems mean they’re being spied on or replaced. My role is to reassure them — it’s really about quality and meeting what end customers demand. Getting both sides to understand each other is vital.”
Whether on the course, in a classroom, or on site, Steven remains focused on the same goal: bridging the gap between welders and technology.
"The future is digital, no doubt. But it only works if we keep welders at the heart of it."