Welder at Herkules Hebetechnik in Kassel/Germany

David Mackay

At Hedson, diversity is not a slogan – it’s a natural part of everyday work. Employees come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and professional experiences, all united by a shared commitment to quality. One of them is David MacKay, whose journey to Hedson began far from the production floor in Kassel.

David Mackay started his career in the British Army, later serving alongside the American army. Stationed in Germany as an army welder, he gained extensive experience in technical problem-solving and precision work under demanding conditions.

After meeting his wife in Germany, David decided to leave the military when a new posting would have taken him back to the UK.

– The army taught me my trade. I worked with wide water gaps and even took part in a Guinness World Record project in Poland. When I came to Hedson, it was to replace the previous welder – and I’ve really enjoyed the profession ever since. It keeps my mind active, he says. 

On the production floor, Herkules lifts are assembled step by step, from individual components to fully tested systems ready for delivery to body and paint shops around the world. 

– I build the top part of the lift – everything that actually holds the vehicle up in the air. My job can mean anything from small prototype projects to large production orders. It’s varied work, and it’s good fun.

Before joining Hedson, David worked for several German companies, but Hedson’s culture stood out.

– It’s a fairly small company, so it feels more like a family. Everyone knows each other, and we also socialize outside of work. It’s a very open and accepting environment, with an open-door policy where you can talk to anyone.

Working in an international setting has also shaped everyday life.

– English is a global language, so communication works well. I understand much more German than I speak, and I’m learning more all the time.

Close cooperation between production, engineering and quality control ensures that every lift meets Hedson’s high standards for safety, reliability and performance. On the production floor, quality is not just a requirement – it’s a shared responsibility, David Mackay explains:

– You get out what you put in. The quality comes from everyone working with the products. Just the training for my position took six to seven months, and I’m still learning.

He also highlights the close connection between production and development. 

– There’s a lot of thought and hard work behind every product. Our R&D team is amazing – the way they come up with ideas is impressive. And the tools we have make our work both easier and more precise.

Despite busy periods, he values the balance Hedson offers.

– It’s flexible, it’s challenging, and it’s rewarding. I have a really good job.