Celebrating the retirement of Dave Lovatt, after 36 years at IAE!

After an incredible 36 and a half years of dedication, hard work, and leadership at IAE, Dave Lovatt is bidding farewell to his long and accomplished career. From humble beginnings at the Macclesfield Road site to becoming a pivotal figure in the company’s growth, Dave’s journey is one of commitment and passion.

Dave joined IAE on September 30, 1988, at just 24 years old. With hands-on agricultural experience from his time working on a dairy farm as a young boy, he brought invaluable industry knowledge to the company from day one. His first role saw him on the shopfloor, operating a side loader forklift to arrange, sort, and load products for heading to the offsite galvanizing plant.

Dave through the decades:

His progression within IAE is a testament to his work ethic and leadership skills:

• 1988-1989: Sideloader forklift driver, managing outgoing products for galvanizing.
• 1989: Transitioned department to handling steel deliveries.
• 1990-1993: Promoted to Supervisor at the Macclesfield Road site.
• 1993-1994: Became Assistant Works Manager.
• 1994-2007: Industrial Fencing Works Manager, overseeing a 50-person team in the Cheadle division.
• 2007-Present: Appointed as Director, focusing on production in the later years.

Reflecting on the biggest change he’s witnessed, Dave highlights the unification of IAE’s satellite sites into one cohesive location. This transition marked a new era for the company, streamlining operations and fostering stronger collaboration among teams.

Among the many milestones in Dave’s career, a few stand out prominently:

• Successfully managing the Fencing Division at Cheadle, embracing the challenges of a new team and factory with great enthusiasm and dedication.
• Playing a crucial role in the development of the Mossfield Road site, where he was deeply involved in the planning and construction of the production facility.
• The continuous trust and faith placed in him by the Klucznik family, which provided endless opportunities for growth and development throughout his entire career.

When asked what has kept him at IAE for so long, Dave attributes it to the company’s family-run nature and its forward-thinking approach. He has had the privilege of working under two generations of Klucznik leadership, building strong relationships with both David and Frank.

What’s next?

Dave’s retirement plans are just as ambitious as his career. He looks forward to:

• Spending quality time with his wife, enjoying outdoor activities such as gardening, walking, cycling, and travelling both in the UK and abroad.
• Embracing his new role as a grandparent and cherishing time with family.
• Taking on a building project over the coming months, and looking to restore a tractor during the winter months—an exciting new challenge.

The People and the Memories

What will Dave miss the most? The camaraderie and support of his work colleagues, along with the structure and routine that come with working life.

A Well-Deserved Farewell

As Dave embarks on this new chapter, we celebrate his outstanding contributions to IAE and thank him for his unwavering dedication. His impact on the company and his colleagues will be felt for many years to come. Congratulations, Dave, on a well-earned retirement!