Meet the Team – Ray Gibbs, Aerospace Technologies Manager: drumming up great results for aerospace companies

As Aerospace Technology Manager at KYOCERA SGS, Ray Gibbs collaborates with companies to optimise their manufacturing processes. When he’s not helping businesses to boost productivity, Ray is busy boosting the volume as a drummer in his band, Radio Generation! While his drumming career began at just 13, Ray also has a long track record in industry.

At KYOCERA SGS, Ray’s focus is to go beyond tool performance to help deliver measurable improvements, whether that’s through material savings or optimising machine performance. He says:

“My role is to go on site and look at each stage of the manufacturing process and identify how to enhance it. I’ll work closely with the customer, going through the spec and supporting with aspects such as identifying better cutting strategies and component tolerance requirements and minimising set ups.”

From UK Milling Olympics winner to aerospace expert

Ray’s experience in industry kicked off with an apprenticeship in precision machining in the tool room at Molins It was during this time that he won the UK Milling Skills Olympics and represented the UK in Australia! He then went on to become a toolmaker and then CNC Manager at A F Gaskin Ltd specialising in hard metal machining of injection mould tools for the injection mould sector. He then made his move into the civil aircraft and space industry at Verdict Aerospace which was purchased by Magellan. More than a decade at Magellan in engineering and manufacturing engineering management roles saw him gain even further expertise in aerospace.

In Ray’s four and half years at KYOCERA SGS, he has been instrumental in the company investing in CATIA and bringing Vericut and the latest CAD-CAM software on board. He adds:

“The company have been great at listening to suggestions for improvements which I really appreciate. I also value the freedom and the autonomy we have in the way we work with our customers. It’s good to be part of a company with such an excellent reputation within the industry.”

Looking ahead

With so much experience, Ray has seen many changes in industry. He comments:

“These days, there’s a lot more pressure on Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies to reduce costs and update their manufacturing processes. I think it’s true for both professionals and businesses in industry that you have to keep innovating. The nature of the industry is all about adapting to challenges. We’re proud to be able to support this at KYOCERA SGS by working as a collaborative partner with our customers to enhance their whole manufacturing process, as well as identifying the right tool for them. Helping companies to overcome obstacles to become more productive is the most rewarding part of my job.”

From cutting tools to drumsticks

When Ray’s not on site working with world class leading aerospace and manufacturing customers, he enjoys drumming in a new wave and post punk covers band, Radio Generation! Described as delivering “fast and furious late 1970’s nostalgia”, Radio generation play tracks by The Damned, David Bowie, Tom Petty, Kraftwerk, Gary Numan and many more! Find out more at: https://www.radiogeneration1.com/

As if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Ray also enjoys going cross country mountain biking with friends and, of course, having fun with his family.