Member Article

New MD for Centa Transmissions

Darren Hudson has been appointed managing director of Bradford-based engineering firm, Centa Transmissions, following the retirement of Bob Arnott.

Hudson, 39, joined Centa as a mechanical engineering apprentice in 1993 and, most recently, worked as couplings manager.

Working closely with Bob Arnott, who officially retired from the role of managing director on 1st May 2015, Hudson has always taken a hands-on approach to the business, building a solid track record in the manufacture, application and service of Centa’s world famous couplings. Over the last 22 years, he has established excellent working relationships with some of Centa’s key customers working directly on projects both within Centa’s manufacturing facility and out on site.

Commenting on his appointment, Hudson said: “Bob and I both share a passion for couplings and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him over the years. He’s grown Centa into a world-class, £5million business and it is my aim to continue a level of sustainable growth that will further enhance our reputation in the global power transmission industry.

“My new role brings with it new challenges and I’m looking forward to working with our highly skilled team here to deliver work that exceeds customers’ expectations. I already have a number of new plans for Centa and will be sharing details of these developments over the coming months.

“I’m also delighted to announce that Bob has agreed to be contracted to the business for several days per year to support Centa in a technical advisory role as our chairman.”

Adds Arnott: “After 17 years with Centa, I’m extremely proud of where we are today. I’ve overseen many positive changes including a move from pencil drawn plans to 3D plans, two phases of expansion of our manufacturing facility and the doubling of our total workforce.

“Engineering-wise Centa is at the top end of the industry; we have the respect of both our peers and our customers who continue to be surprised at exactly what we are capable of delivering. We’re market leaders in marine propulsion drives and we’ve designed and produced numerous components unique to the UK and, indeed, continue to do so.”

Concludes Arnott: “Leading by example, Darren will bring professionalism, experience and new ideas using new technologies to the business. I will support his objective of achieving sustainable growth in every way I can in my role as chairman and wish him, and the team, every success for a profitable future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kirsten Howells .