Skelair announce key personnel changes

Joe Farnfield to take over as leader of the company’s Contract Drilling & Blasting division

GROUND engineering and rock drilling specialists Skelair International have announced that Joe Farnfield is to take over as operations manager of the company’s Contract Drilling & Blasting division, leading its team of drillers, shotfirers and explosives supervisors.

Replacing Steve Lashley, who has been with Skelair since 2012 but is now moving to the UAE with Stevin Rock, Mr Farnfield will take over the reins from January 2019.

Mr Lashley commented: ‘With the exceptional team they have, I am sure Skelair’s Contract Drilling & Blasting division will continue to go from strength to strength. I’m proud to be handing over to Joe, who will do a great job leading the team.’

Between now and the end of the year, Steve and Joe will be conducting joint site visits to allow Steve to say his farewells and to give Joe the opportunity to meet all of the division’s customers personally.

Mr Farnfield joined Skelair in 2017 as shotfirer/explosives supervisor. Excited to be making a step up in the division, he said: ‘I’ve learned so much from Steve over the years and it’s a privilege to be taking over from him. It’s an exciting time for me from a career perspective and I look forward to building on Steve’s success.’

Reflecting on the forthcoming changes, John Mayo, managing director of Skelair, said: ‘Steve has been a huge asset to the team. Since joining us as operations supervisor in 2012 to becoming drilling and blasting operations manager in 2014, he has made a real contribution to our success.

‘While we are obviously sorry to see him go, we recognize it is a great opportunity for him and we have a fantastic replacement in Joe, who is ready to take over the reins.’