9 September 2015

Quartzelec’s Technical Director, Roger Regan achieves 50 years of ‘continuous’ service. Widely known and highly respected throughout the industry, Roger is regarded as a foremost expert in rotating electrical machines and this auspicious event was marked with a formal presentation at the company’s headquarters, attended by many past and present colleagues.

Roger is regarded as a foremost expert in rotating electrical machines and his knowledge and extensive experience continues to be indispensible. Although he reached retirement age two years ago Roger has a resolute work ethic and remains an active member of the team, providing invaluable support across a variety of UK and international contracts, (specifically within the Defence sector) and actively encouraging from the front, peers and the next generation to take up the electrical engineering baton. 

Originally from Folkestone, Roger attended Harvey Grammar School and in 1965, aged just 16, he applied to the AEI training department (which ultimately became Quartzelec) and started his Technician Apprenticeship with them on 14 September that year.  He made an encouraging start and subsequently became a Tool Engineer within the Gears business and was then promoted to Senior Manufacturing Engineer with several staff reporting to him.

As the company name changed to GEC, it was in 1982 that Admiral Sir Richard Clayton (then a non-exec Director on the main GEC board) instigated the GEC fellowship programme across the whole of the then GEC Company. Roger was the first overall winner and was awarded the GEC fellowship, spending two years at Sheffield University undertaking research on ‘Gear Manufacture and Noise’ to the extent that he became an honorary lecturer. 

In 1984 Roger made the ‘internal’ move to GEC Machines and was appointed Manufacturing Facilities Engineer.  Other Management roles have included appointments with the Development Laboratory; Technical Investigation Department; and as the Quality Improvement Manager, his last role in the machines manufacturing business before being appointed Manager of Site Operations for (ESL) Electrical Services Limited in 1999. He was ultimately appointed Technical Director at Quartzelec and a Legal Director of Quartzinvest Ltd in December 2012. 

“Roger is one of those characters that everybody knows, likes and respects,” stated Dominic Buse, Quartzelec’s International Operations Director. “He has a long and illustrious career with us, helping to shape the company into what it has become today and he has built a legacy that will continue to live on and will be hard for others to match – picking up many accolades and awards along the way. Like so many of his colleagues I’ve appreciated his support and humour over the years and thank him for the dedication he has shown, always setting high standards for himself, plus ever willing to support colleagues to achieve their potential and succeed.”  

“It’s been a great career ‘so far’ and I am proud to be another employee that the Company never let get away,” commented Roger during the presentation. “I’ve been privileged to work with some fantastic colleagues on many prestigious and important projects. What’s more, throughout my working life I have been able to combine my career with my love of all things naval.  I’ve witnessed many changes during my time in this industry and have many fond memories.” 

Roger is married to Mary, recently celebrating their 45^th wedding anniversary. Their two children, Zoe and Paul, plus five grandchildren were also at the event to help celebrate the occasion. 

Back in January, Frank Brown, then Quartzelec’s Facilities Maintenance Manager, also celebrated 50 years of continuous service.  Like Roger, he joined AEI in 1965 as a 16-year old electrical engineering apprentice and progressed through the company being promoted to subsequent supervisory and management positions in his long career.