Roger Howkins has retired after 28 years' service to Matsuura UK in Coalville - 15 years of which were as Managing Director.

Respected throughout the company and the wider UK manufacturing community for his relaxed, friendly manner and consensus style of leadership, Roger took Matsuura to new heights both commercially, ethically and culturally.

The company says that his forward-thinking and progressive ethos earned him the loyalty and respect of all who worked with him. 

It adds that the latitude and understanding he gave employees to grow into their roles and fulfil their potential to best serve the company is a 'defining and unique' factor of his years of leadership.

His many major milestones include overseeing the expansion of the company's portfolio to include Additive Manufacturing, and the outright purchase and complete overhaul of the company HQ in Coalville.

Achieving ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications under his leadership were proud moments for Roger, as was winning numerous awards – significantly one recently for Outstanding Workplace Culture.

Matsuura UK says the business of today is completely unrecognisable from that which he inherited at the beginning of his tenure.

The company adds that he leaves behind a grateful workforce, a healthy balance sheet and a stable and successful business model.