QUASAR's Mark Flintoft Receives Packaging Industry Award

One of the most eagerly anticipated events at the recent PPMA Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham, was ’The Ones to Watch’ award that identify the processing and packaging machinery’s up and coming talented individuals.

The award this year was won by QUASAR Automation’s Mark Flintoft, in recognition of his outstanding innovative product design skills.

PPMA’s (Processing and Packaging Machinery Association) “Ones to Watch” award recognises the contributions of individuals, under the age of 35, who have worked in the processing and packaging industry for at least four years. All of the finalists have continuously demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurship, commitment and innovation in their careers.

This years winner, Mark Flintoft, joined specialist machine builder and robot systems integrator QUASAR Automation in 2002 as a 16-year-old apprentice, where he spent his first four years learning basic engineering and manufacturing skills. Mark was previously a pupil at Ripon Grammar School, before attending Darlington Technical College and going on to obtain his B Eng Hons Degree in Engineering through part time study at Teesside University

Today, 10 years on, Mark now has full responsibility for product design at QUASAR Automation and is always striving to integrate the most advanced and relevant technology into the company’s systems.

Amongst Mark’s many achievements during his time at QUASAR was his influence in driving the company to adopt the SolidWorks 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) package. This has since transformed the way in which the company’s bespoke automation systems are designed and has been instrumental in QUASAR gaining a reputation for highly innovative yet functional machinery and systems.

Bob Hinchcliffe, Managing Director, QUASAR Automation, said “Mark has continued to impress us with his skills, commitment and determination since he joined the company as an apprentice. Not only is he a hugely talented engineer, but he has also shown a natural aptitude for product design, which has really enabled us to provide cutting-edge solutions to the food industry. Mark is happy to embrace - and rise to - every challenge, giving him a competence and experience way beyond his years.

As a result of his achievements, I believe that QUASAR is now able to offer the most advanced automation and robotic solutions to the food industry. He is a truly inspirational individual and highly deserving of his award.”

QUASAR Automation, with over 30 years experience has evolved to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Automation and Robot Systems for the UK Food Processing industry.  The company designs and builds systems for a diverse range of food manufacturing and processing applications. The company’s reputation for solving food processing problems has led many Blue Chip companies to approach QUASAR for solutions to some of the most demanding food industry applications.