Recognising Andrew Willetts on 20 years at Mackworth
Twenty years is a significant milestone in any career, and at Mackworth Vehicle Conversions it marks a journey that is well worth celebrating. This year, Andrew Willetts celebrates 20 years with the business, having been part of its story long before MVC existed as it does today.
Andrew’s journey began at Mix Vehicle Conversion Specialists in Birmingham, where he first met our General Manager, Andy Kent. He initially interviewed for a temporary Body Builder role, but at the time chose not to take the position as it was a short-term contract.
A few months later, the business was growing rapidly. Andy got back in touch, invited Mr Willetts in for a chat, and offered him a full-time, permanent role. Legend has it the contract was handed over in the car park as soon as he arrived. Andrew accepted on the spot – and the rest really is history. A practical start to what would become a long and successful career.
Willetts joined Mix Vehicle Conversion Specialists as a Body Builder and quickly established himself as a reliable and skilled member of the workshop team. At that time, Mix was well known for specialist van conversions. The business had previously been owned by Siemens VDO and had built a strong reputation for bespoke, crash-tested racking solutions and its TravelPower onboard power system. Customers included a number of major blue-chip organisations such as Land Rover, BT, Transco, Amey, Amec, Northern Gas Networks, Southern Water and MEB.
In 2011, Mix merged with the Ashbourne Road operation, bringing together two highly complementary businesses. The merger combined extensive HGV truck build experience with specialist LCV and van conversion expertise. As part of this change, both Andrews relocated to the Derby site, and the business was rebranded as Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists.
Sixteen employees transferred across at the time, and 15 years later, seven of those original team members are still with the business – including Andrew, which says a great deal about the culture that was created during that transition.
Over his 20-year career, Willetts has steadily progressed through the business. He moved from Body Builder to Foreman, then Workshop Manager, and for the past six years has held the role of Van Production Manager. This role was introduced when Mackworth split the HGV and LCV/Van workshops, building a new facility, to improve production flow and operational efficiency.
Andrew also played a key role in the design and layout of the new workshop, using his practical experience to help shape a space that supports organisation, productivity and smooth day-to-day working.
And then there’s the commute. Our Van Production Manager travels 45 miles each way, every day. That level of commitment does not happen by accident and speaks volumes about his dedication – and perhaps that Mackworth is worth the drive.
Reflecting on his time with the business, Willetts said, “I really value Andy Kent’s leadership in steering the business to where we are today. He looks after us. We’ve grown from a team of 16 to over 60 in my time, and the business has gone from strength to strength, with a few challenges along the way.”
Andy adds, “Andrew Willetts is an exemplary colleague who is greatly valued. He’s loyal, trustworthy and turns up every day. Some days with a smile, some days without, but he always does what he says he will do, and he does it right. He’s a valued member of the team, and we hope he doesn’t think about retiring any time soon!”
From the Birmingham workshop to leading Van production in Derby, Andrew’s story is one of consistency, commitment and quiet hard work.
Congratulations on 20 years with the business, Andrew, and thank you for the huge contribution you continue to make at Mackworth Vehicle Conversions.
