Sales Director Celebrates 50 Years at Orseal Ltd!

Champak Fakira

Champak Fakira, Sales Director, is thrilled to be celebrating an incredible 50 years of dedicated service at Orseal Ltd.

His journey has been a remarkable one, filled with growth, learning and the opportunity to contribute to the industry. He is a proud member of the BVAA community, and believes his experience highlights the value of commitment and longevity within a single company.

Champak’s career began at Orseal Ltd (formerly Richard Threlfall), Bolton, on the 16^thof July 1973 when he was just 16 years old. He remembers receiving his first wage in a brown envelope from his foreman, Mr. Walter Lythgoe. It amounted to £9.63p for a 40-hour work week!

Champak explains, “At that time, I had plans to explore opportunities at other companies once my apprenticeship was complete. However, looking back today, it's hard to believe that I have grown from being an apprentice to becoming a Sales Director within the same organization.”

He spent 11 years on the shop floor, working on various machines such as the Centre Lathe, Capstan Lathe, Milling Machine, both Vertical and Horizontal Borers, Drilling machine, and Grinding Machine. In 1979, company operations were upgraded with the introduction of a CNC Machine. Contrary to the initial concerns about job losses, the CNC Machine actually created more opportunities, and having mastered CNC operation, including programming and machine setup, Champak was promoted to Charge Hand and later a Foreman.

“Although I found the role of a Foreman challenging, I decided to transition to production engineering, and eventually progressed to becoming a Project Manager,” Champak continues, “After spending four years in a Project Management role, I sought a new challenge and transitioned into sales. Not only was it demanding, but it also ignited a sense of excitement as it gave me the chance to interact with clients and suppliers, leading to extensive travel experiences around the world. I met some wonderful, professional people all over the world, who I am still working with them and have learned different cultures around the world.”

In 2003, Champak was promoted to the position of Sales Director, and continues to work, driven by the desire to share his knowledge and expertise with the younger generation.

“Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege to work alongside many talented individuals who contributed to our collective success.”

Champak hopes his story serves as an inspiration to others who are navigating their own careers in the fluid control and valve industry.

Contact, Champak Fakira, Sales Director at Orseal Ltd on champak@orseal.com or contact the sales team on: